ABORTION PROCEDURE AFTERCARE

^{Adapted from RHAP & RRWC MVA AFTER-CARE INSTRUCTIONS}

Today you had an abortion procedure. You will most likely feel fine when you go home. You can return to your normal activities as soon as you want. You can take a shower or bath as soon as you want. You can eat normally, but you may still feel nauseated for a couple of days.

Many clinicians advise not putting anything in the vagina for one week (e.g. tampons, menstrual cup) however there is no evidence this is beneficial. Douching is never recommended. You may or may not feel like being intimate or having vaginal intercourse during this time. It is good to trust your body and resume intercourse when you feel ready physically and emotionally. It is possible to get pregnant within 1-2 weeks after an abortion.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Vaginal Bleeding: You can expect to have bleeding for up to 2-3 weeks. It is common for the bleeding to stop and start for a few weeks after the abortion. Some people have no bleeding for 2 or 3 days and then begin to have bleeding as heavy as a period. Other people have only spotting for a few days and then no bleeding at all. You may notice that the bleeding increases when you exercise; this is not dangerous.

Cramping: You may have cramps off and on during the week following an abortion. You can use pain medication like ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or naproxen (Aleve or Naprosyn). If unable to take NSAIDs, consider acetaminophen (Tylenol). You can also use a heating pad or drink warm tea.

Mood changes: You may feel relieved when the abortion is over. You may also feel sad or emotional. These feelings may be due to hormonal changes now that you are no longer pregnant and are normal.

When will your period come back? You can expect a period in 4 to 8 weeks. This varies.

YOU SHOULD CALL US IF:

• Your bleeding soaks through more than 2 pads per hour for more than 2 consecutive hours.
• Your cramps are getting stronger and are not helped by pain medication.
• Your temperature is higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

TO REACH US – CALL OUR 24-HOUR CONTACT NUMBER:__________________.

If you have any questions or think something is going wrong, please call this number and someone will call you back. It may take 10-15 minutes to return your call. No question is too small. Please feel free to call us.

Follow-up visit (as requested/needed): You have an appointment on_____________ at _________am/pm.

Birth Control (as requested)
If you want to use birth control pills, the patch, or the ring, I have given you a prescription. You can start these tomorrow, even if you are still bleeding.

Additional Support

Most people feel better in the month following an abortion or miscarriage. If you are in need of additional support, call us, or consider contacting one of the following hotlines, which help answer questions and provide you with additional support: www.exhaleprovoice.org or 866-4EXHALE, www.alloptions.org or 888-493-0092, or www.connectandbreathe.org or 866-647-1764 or www.faithaloud.org or 1-888-717-5010.