Abortion Aftercare
What to Expect
When the procedure is over, you may eat or drink anything you like as soon as you feel up to it. You may return to normal activities, but you should not "overdo it"--avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting. If you had narcotic pain relievers or sedation, allow 12 hours to get them out of your system--do not drive.
Post abortion problems are rare but, as with all medical procedures, we are concerned about infection and too much bleeding. Please follow our instructions carefully.
Bleeding and Cramping
What is Normal Bleeding?
Bleeding varies from woman to woman. You may bleed for the full two weeks or have little or no bleeding. For many women the bleeding stops and starts for a few days at a time. There may even be spotting until your next period. You may also find that you pass some large blood clots, and mild to moderate, or even heavy cramping. All of this is normal.
What is Problem Bleeding?
If your bleeding is more than 1 maxi-pad (full, soaked through) in an hour, for two consecutive hours, please call us. If you have many large clots for more than a day, call us. Note that a pad per hour for two consecutive hours or too many clots are rare. Call us if you are bleeding heavily beyond two weeks. You can request an in person follow up exam at no charge if you need it. If you have chosen a Medication Abortion with the abortion pill Mifeprex, please read the special instructions (download here) we gave you, as you may have much heavier bleeding than described above.
Cramps and Pain Medication
Please be sure you have over-the-counter pain medication on hand. We encourage you to take pain medication at the first sign of cramps to control unnecessary pain. You should take either Ibuprofen (like Advil, Motrin) up to 800 mg. (4 -200 mg pills of any over-the-counter Ibuprofen product) every 4- 6 hours. Or take Aleve or Naproxen, two pills every 6-8 hours. Extra Strength Tylenol, 2 pills every 4-6 hours can be added but we do not recommend aspirin.
Your Menstrual Period
If you are not going on birth control pills or the 3 month Depo shot, your first normal period should begin in about 4-6 weeks. The first period may be heavier than before. If you have been given the Depo Provera shot you may have bleeding on and off or your period may not come at all. This is normal.
If you are not on a hormonal birth control, you can get pregnant again before your next period, so follow-up on your birth control plan and do use condoms. Do not have intercourse for two weeks to prevent infection. If you do not get a period after 6 weeks, please run a pregnancy test and call us. A follow-up appointment is available to you at no charge.
If you are going to use the birth control pill, or patch begin taking it on the Sunday after the abortion unless otherwise directed. You will get your period during the reminder pills or during the last week of the cycle. Continue taking them according to the directions we gave you on the green instruction sheet. You can start the vaginal contraceptive ring at the first period. Call during our regular hours if you don't get your period as expected.
Infection Precautions
Do's and Don'ts
Because the cervix has been opened (dilated) you are at greater risk for infections. We want you to take some precautions for the next two weeks.
Do not put anything in the vagina for two weeks
Do not have intercourse for the next two weeks
Do not use tampons for two weeks
Do not douche for the next two weeks.
Studies suggest that swimming and tub baths are probably OK, but to be cautious wait a week. Showers and sponge baths are fine.
You can resume your normal routine after two weeks as long as there are no problems.
Fever
Take your temperature each morning and evening for the next week or if you are feeling flushed or feverish. If you don't have a thermometer, please pick one up at the pharmacy. If you are taking pain medication, take your temperature before, or 4 hours after taking pain medication to get an accurate reading.
If your temperature is 100.4 degrees or more for more than four hours call us immediately. Please read the thermometer accurately. If you have a digital thermometer check that it is working properly. If your temperature is more than 100 degrees, and you are experiencing abdominal tenderness, chills, etc., check your temperature every hour and drink lots of water/liquids. Call us if your fever ever reaches 100.4 degrees and we will order antibiotics.
Follow-up Exam
During the COVID epidemic STWHS stopped two week follow up exams. However, a free follow-up exam is available if you have a problem or need reassurance. Keep your appointment even if you are bleeding. NOTE that sensitive home pregnancy tests can show positive for 3 or more weeks. A pregnancy test should be negative after 4 weeks. At the follow-up you can continue or change your birth control plan. If there is a post abortion problem call us immediately; there is no extra cost to you for follow-up appointments if you return within 6 weeks. Make an appointment at our office or with your own doctor and clinic 2-3 weeks from your appointment. We will give you a summary of your records if you are not returning here. If you had a medication abortion, the follow up exam 1- 2 weeks later is essential. You can still come back, at no cost, up to 6 weeks later.
Other Concerns
If your nausea/morning sickness or other pregnancy symptoms do not go away within a few days, call us during office hours.
Some women may have some breast discharge. If this happens to you, do not touch or stimulate breasts, wear a tight bra even when sleeping, and apply cold packs for up to 10 minutes at a time.
Contacting Us
Post abortion problems are rare but require prompt medical attention. Please consult with us before going to an emergency room; you may incur unnecessary expense and/or treatment. We are the experts in this procedure. Please call us if you need us at 607-785-4171 weekdays from 9am to 5pm. You may contact us by texting the same number, but the office may not get the message until the office opens again.
If our office is closed, our phone answering service will take your name, phone number, and symptoms. A staff member will get back to you within 10 to 30 minutes. If no one gets back to you in 30 minutes, call the answering service again. Sorry, we can only take phone calls about post abortion emergencies after hours. Call during regular office hours about birth control problems, scheduling, emergency contraception, and other questions.
“Just a short note to say, “thank you” for your professional yet compassionate care. You certainly do everything possible to make the best of an unpleasant situation. When I look at my happy, healthy, four month old daughter I know that we made the right decision in not having another baby right now.”
- Donna, Patient of Southern Tier Women’s Health Services, LLC