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POST-OP
What to expect
after your abortion
Bleeding
Vaginal Bleeding after an abortion is perfectly normal. The amount
of bleeding varies from woman to woman. Some women have little
to no bleeding, while others bleed lightly up until their first
period (four to eight weeks after the procedure).
It is not uncommon to have no bleeding for the first few days after your
procedure and then to begin moderate to heavy bleeding 3-5 days later.
Most of the time, this increase in symptoms is related to increased activity
and can be resolved by restricting the level of activity and resting.
In addition, many women will pass clots. Clots of nickel or quarter size
are not unusual.
When to Call: Women's Health Services has a 24-hour answering service
with staff on-call for any emergency. Certainly, call us if you are having
heavy bleeding, such as soaking through more than one full size maxi pad
per hour.
We would also like to hear from you, if you are passing large clots or
if you don't get your period after eight weeks.
For non-emergent matters, please call us during our normal business hours
weekdays from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Cramps
Most women experience some cramping after a procedure. Normal cramping
is on and off and generally becomes less severe with time. Occasionally,
a short episode of intense cramps will be associated with the passage
of a clot. You will receive a prescription for pain medication to use
when you experience cramping.
When to Call: Be sure to call us
if your cramping is severe or unrelieved by the pain medication prescribed.
Call us if your cramping becomes continuous pain and/or appears to be
getting worse with time.
Fever
An elevation in temperature may be a sign that an infection is developing.
This is why it is very important that you take your temperature twice
a day (morning and evening) for seven days following your procedure.
When to Call: Call us if your temperature is over 100 degrees.
Breast Changes
If you experienced breast tenderness or swelling prior to your procedure,
you should expect these symptoms to disappear within four to five days
(if your pregnancy termination occurred in the first trimester).
Some women will begin to produce milk after a second trimester
procedure. This is normal and will usually stop within a few weeks
if the breasts are not stimulated. Wearing a tight fitting bra
with absorbent pads will help. Also, the use of ice packs can
reduce discomfort and lactation.
Nausea
Many women experience nausea when pregnant, especially in the
morning. This "morning sickness" feeling should fade
away within the first week.
Depression
While many women experience psychological relief following an
abortion, some women may experience signs of depression. This
may be due not only to the nature of the event, but also to the
hormonal changes in the body.
If you have had a history of mental health problems in the past,
it is important that you have the name and phone number of a therapist
who can support your decision to have an abortion and provide
therapy before and after the procedure should you need this.
Often times the support of family and friends
during this time can be very helpful.
When to Call: Call us anytime that you feel like talking to one
of our counselors. Also, call us if you would like follow-up counseling
referrals.
Do's and Don'ts
• Do get a follow-up
exam 2-3 weeks following your procedure
• Do take all of your medication
as prescribed
• Do take your temperature twice
a day for 7 days
• Do call us anytime with questions
or concerns
• Don't have sexual intercourse
for at least two weeks
• Don't use tampons for at least
two weeks
• Don't swim or take
tub baths for at least 2 weeks or until your bleeding stops
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©
2008 Women's Health Services
