Normal Side Effects
Bleeding
Some women do not experience any bleeding. Others may have bleeding that lasts
from 2-6 weeks.
- Bleeding may be spotty, dark brown and include clots.
- Often there is no bleeding for the first few days immediately
following the abortion, then hormonal changes may cause bleeding
as heavy as a period around the third or fifth day and increased
cramping.
- If heavy bleeding (soaking a full-sized maxi-pad in one hour)
occurs, then begin deep uterine massaging for 10 minutes, take
Ibuprofen, use a heating pad and decrease activity.
If heavy bleeding continues for more than three hours, notify the nurse.
Discharge
Discharge may be:
- Non-bloody and range from a brown to black color.
- Mucus-like.
- If the discharge is itchy or painful, has a bad odor and is
pus-like, notify the nurse.
Cramps
Cramping is normal and necessary for the uterus to return to its non pregnant
size.
- Cramping may by occasional, like menstrual cramps, for the first
few days.
- Cramping may increase, along with bleeding and clotting, particularly
around the third or fifth day.
- Cramping should be relieved by Ibuprofen, deep uterine massage,
heat and rest.
Cramping may be relieved by one or more of the following:
- Take 800 mg. Ibuprofen every 6-8 hours.
- Apply uterine massages frequently. This involves firmly pressing
down on your abdomen with your fingertips. Rub in a circular motion
from the belly button to your pubic bone. You may need to continue
this for at least 10 minutes to get some relief.
- Drink warm liquids such as tea or hot cocoa.
- Use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen.
Medication
Doxycycline
An antibiotic to help prevent infections.
- Take one tablet twice a day with a full glass of water after
a meal.
- Start the first pill after dinner on the day of the surgery.
- Avoid milk and dairy foods when taking Doxycycline-wait two
hours after taking a pill to have these foods.
- Avoid sun/tanner exposure while on Doxycycline.
- Take Doxycycline for seven days until gone.
- Take Doxycycline alone, allow at least two hours between other
medications.
Methergrine/Ergotamine
Helps to shrink uterus to normal size.
- Take one tablet every eight hours.
- Take Methergrine until gone.
Ibuprofen & Acetaminophen
- For pain and cramping.
- Take one tablet every six to eight hours with food or milk.
- Take only as needed.
Other Medications
Please call your pharmacist if you have questions about other medications
you may be taking or wish to take, whether prescriptive or over-the-counter.
Preventing Infection
Infection in the uterus and fallopian tubes is the most common
complication following an abortion. Signs of infection are:
- Fever above 100°
- Abdominal pain different than cramping.
- Foul-smelling discharge.
- If feeling feverish, take your temperature twice daily for 48
hours. Call the nurse if it is above 100° for more than 12 hours.
- Take the antibiotic prescribed by Planned Parenthood until gone.
- Do not put anything into your vagina
for two weeks.
- Do not have sex for two weeks.
- Do not use tampons or douche for
two weeks.
- Do not use perfumes, bubbles or oils in bath water.
Menstrual Cycle, Pregnancy
& Birth Control
Immediately after your abortion, your body will begin to prepare
for your next menstrual cycle. It is important to know that you
can become pregnant at any time before your next period if you have
unprotected intercourse.
Please take this opportunity to discuss birth control with your partner. He
shares in the responsibility to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
- Your first period will begin four to six weeks after the abortion.
- If you have chosen the birth control pill as your method of
birth control, you will receive a packet to begin the Sunday following
your abortion. Read the fact sheet provided for further information
about taking the pill.
- We also have information on permanent birth control (sterilization
by vasectomy or tubal ligation) available if you wish.
Emotions
Women experience a variety of emotions after an abortion.
- Feelings of relief, sadness, elation or depression are common,
and may be strong due to the hormonal changes that occur after
an abortion. Most women find these feelings do not last very long.
- Your partner or parents may experience similar emotions. It
can be helpful to discuss these emotions with your partner, or
parents.
- Counselors are available at no cost for both you, your partner
or parents.
Rest and Recovery
Most of the normal side-effects can be managed by resting, though
most women prefer to take it easy for a day or two after an abortion,
until able to return to normal activity levels. Let your body be
your guide.
- Despite how well you may feel, do not exercise strenuously for
the first week.
- Increased activity (such as returning to work) may cause more
cramping and bleeding.
- Breast tenderness and swelling may last up to two weeks.
- Avoid stimulation of the nipples to reduce breast discharge.
- It is normal to pass clots, especially when getting out of bed.
Most pregnancy symptoms begin to go away within 24 hours after
the abortion, with nausea usually gone by the third day.
Follow-up Exam
You must have a physical exam three to four weeks after the abortion
to be sure you are fully recovered.
- A female clinician will perform the exam.
- The exam is free if you return within 30 days; however, there
will be fees for birth control supplies, prescribed lab tests
and medications.
- There is a charge for a follow-up exam after 30 days, or if
you go to a private physician.
- This is a good time to discuss how your birth control method
is working for you.
- You can have a Pap smear done at this time for a small fee.
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