Caring for Yourself After an Abortion

After an abortion, it is important to get adequate rest and follow-up care to ensure a healthy, fast recovery. Your gynecologist will provide you with extensive information about caring for yourself after a pregnancy termination . This information will also help.

Plan to Rest

Ideally, you should allow yourself a few days to simply rest after your abortion. During this time, you may experience heavy to light bleeding, as well as nausea, cramps, and breast tenderness, which can last for a few days to a few weeks. It’s common for symptoms, especially bleeding, to start and stop a few times before ending for good. You should avoid strenuous activity for the first few days after your procedure, and avoid sexual intercourse, tampon use, or douching to five days. If it’s not possible to take time off of work and school, listen to your body and take things as easy as you can.

Attend Follow-Up Appointments

You will likely need a follow-up visit with your gynecologist to ensure that the abortion was successful and that you are recovering without complications. These appointments are important to your health, so be sure to attend any follow-ups recommended by your gynecologist. If you experience any signs of complications before or active your follow-up, call your gynecologist right away.

Pay Attention to Your Emotions

Women often feel a range of emotions after an abortion. Some women feel relief, others feel sad, and others have mixed emotions. All of these feelings are completely normal. There is no right way to react to having an abortion. If you are struggling to cope with your emotions in the aftermath, your gynecologist can recommend resources that will help.

At Washington Surgi-Clinic, we can help you make the right decisions about your abortion and provide the care you need before and after the procedure. To make an appointment for an abortion in Washington, D.C. , call us at (202) 659-9403. Our compassionate care is always confidential.