Abortion Recovery Process – How to have a safe, healthy and quick recovery after an abortion
Abortions are a safe medical procedure. There are very few risks, especially if it is carried out at a reputable medical facility, like the Abortion Hospital, and carried out by a medical professional.
However, it is very important for women to be aware of the abortion recovery process and how to look after themselves.
What to expect after an abortion?
Women may experience similar symptoms after an abortion. However, if a woman has an abortion later in pregnancy, especially during the second trimester, there may be more side effects.
Normal symptoms following an abortion are:
- Bleeding or spotting for 3-6 weeks
- Passing small to medium sized blood clots
- Cramping similar or slightly heavier than your normal menstrual period
- Painful or tender breasts
Your usual menstrual period should return with 4 – 8 weeks, although the blood flow may be slightly different initially. However, your abortion recovery time will vary from woman to woman.
Guidelines for your abortion recovery process:
- Rest and sleep are important
It is important for the days after your abortion to get enough rest and sleep. After a surgical procedure, you will be tired and have some pain. As part of good abortion recovery it is important to listen to your body and rest well.
- Heat can be helpful
For your abortion recovery, heat can be very helpful to ease cramps and aching in your back. The heat is very soothing and helps to relieve the tight muscles. Using something like a hot water bottle, or a wheat bag you heat in the microwave for about 20 to 30 minutes at a time should help to sooth your muscles.
- Medication
Your medical professional should prescribe medication for you to take after your procedure, medications like antibiotics or pain killers. Please follow the advice of your health professional and take the medication as prescribed to aid your abortion recovery. It is important to take any antibiotics to the end of their course. Also it is important to take the pain medication as needed as you need to feel comfortable and not in too much pain.
- Avoid infection
Your cervix takes time to close post procedure, so to avoid infection it is best to use pads rather than tampons until your next period. You should avoid penetrative sex or putting anything into your vagina for 1-2 weeks post abortion. You should avoid sitting in water like a bath or a swimming pool or a hot tub as this may increase the risk of infection. It is best to shower instead.
- Healthy diet
It is important to follow a healthy diet, and even taking some multi-vitamins, for your abortion recovery. This will help your body to heal and give it the right nutrients to aid in your recovery.
- Exercise
As part of your abortion recovery program it is best to avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a time after your abortion. Ask your medical professional when it will be safe for you to resume normal exercise. This will depend on your pain and your previous level of exercise, but your health professional will be able to advise you best.
- Follow up appointment
You should have an appointment for a follow up with your health professional. This is important for your abortion recovery process as your health professional will check on your physical and emotional well-being. Most women will feel fine after an abortion and have no problems, but it is best to get advice from a medical professional to make sure.
Emotional recovery
A lot of women feel relief after an abortion, but it is normal to feel mixed emotions or even negative feelings. This is a normal part of your abortion recovery process. The decision to terminate a pregnancy can be stressful or sad. The Abortion Hospital in Bangalore will provide you with post abortion counselling and will give you advice if you need any further counselling or emotional support.
When to see a doctor sooner than your follow up appointment?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact the Abortion Hospital for advice.
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Soaking through one maxi pad every hour
- Having any thoughts of self-harm or suicidal thoughts
- Showing any signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing
- Passing more than one blood clot bigger than a golf ball
Final thoughts
For most women, the abortion recovery process after an abortion is a simple one. Some women worry that having an abortion might result in long term effects. But doctors generally agree that an abortion does not affect a women’s chances of becoming pregnant again in the future and does not increase the likelihood of falling pregnant again.
Abortion can be a difficult decision, and it is normal to experience a whole range of emotions. It is best to speak to a medical professional about what to expect and specific follow up advice for you.
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