Abortion is a safe and effective medical procedure when performed by trained personnel however during the process some women experience temporary side effects will typically improve after afew hours.
Key Points
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can happen after taking abortion pills.
- Dizziness, tiredness, chills, and sore breasts or may also occur.
- Cramping is expected as a sign of the uterus getting rid of the pregnancy.
- Vaginal bleeding will also happen as a sign that the pregnancy is being expelled.
What Are the Common Side Effects of Abortion?
Common side effects of abortion include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and cramping similar to strong period pains. These symptoms are a sign that the medication is working. They are usually manageable and tend to disappear within a few days. Here are the most common ones:
Nausea and vomiting
This is a common abortion pill side effect that usually occurs a few minutes after taking the misoprostol tablets.
Chills and low-grade fever
May happen especially wit medical abortions
Cramping and pain
Mild to strong cramping in the lower abdomen lower backache (relieved with regular pain relief).
Vaginal bleeding
moderate to heavy heavy bleeding similar to a strong period and can last up to 2 weeks.
While most side effects are short-term and mild, complications can be more serious. For example, an ectopic pregnancy or infection after abortion may need urgent medical attention.
These are general side effects of abortion and can vary from woman to woman. Visit our Ultimate Guide to Medical Abortion in Johannesburg to discover safe recovery tips and aftercare advice.
Emotional Side Effects Might Include
Coping with an abortion can be difficult, especially if you’re going through it alone. Although scientific research shows abortion itself is not linked to mental health problems, many women still experience a mix of emotions afterward and these might include:-
- Anger
- Sadness
- flashbacks
- Emotional pain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Increased alcohol and drug abuse.
Note: Psychological effects may also occur, and these vary from person to person. Discover practical tips and expert advice Our Complete Guide For Those Recovering From Abortion ↗
📌 Learn More in Our :- Comprehensive Medical Abortion Guide
Are Abortion Side Effects the Same As Complications?
No. Abortion side effects are not the same as complications.
- Side effects are short-term, expected physical responses after an abortion, such as mild cramping, light bleeding, nausea, or tiredness. These are normal and usually go away within a few days.
- Complications are rare medical problems that may occur if something goes wrong — for example, heavy bleeding, infection, or retained tissue and usually need medical attention.
Learn more about the 8 possible abortion risks that you must also be aware of. Every woman’s experience is unique, and the side effects can vary from woman to woman.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
While serious complications after an abortion are rare, it is important to contact your nearest abortion clinic or healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:-
- Intense abdominal pains: Severe pains that do not improve even after you have taken abdominal pain medication like nurofens.
- Continuous bleeding: Soaking a normal pad within an hour or passing large blood clots larger than a lemon.
- Smelly discharge:
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing any complications, seek medical attention immediately or contact Carlton Women’s Clinic Johannesburg for confidential support and personalised advice.
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Abortion Side Effects FAQ's
How long do abortion side effects last?
The physical side effects like nausea and vomiting disappear within days, while bleeding can last for up to 7 days.
Why do some women have severe side effects?
Some women experience more severe side effects after taking abortion pills because bodies react differently due to physiological differences including body composition and hormone levels.
How do i know the abortion was successful?
The signs of a successful abortion are fading pregnancy symptoms like nausea and breast tenderness. However the best way to confirm that is to have a follow-up with your abortion provider perform a home pregnancy test after 3 weeks.
Will i lose weight after an abortion?
Yes you are likely to lose some weight after abortion but you could also gain weight due to hormonal changes or stress.
References
- WHO – Abortion care guidelines ↗
- MedlinePlus – Ondansetron (Anti-nausea medication) ↗
- Clicks Pharmacy – Ibuprofen benefits & side-effects ↗
- APA Monitor – Abortion and mental health facts ↗
- PubMed Central – Psychological Consequences of Abortion among the Post Abortion ↗
