Recovering from abortion takes time, both physically and emotionally. Each person’s experience is different, and it’s normal to have a range of physical symptoms, emotional ups and downs, and questions about your health and wellbeing.
Key Points
- Healing involves both the body and mind.
- Follow aftercare instructions carefully to ensure safe recovery.
- Watch for warning signs and seek medical help if needed.
- Emotional support, rest, and self-care are essential parts of recovery.
What Should I Expect After an Abortion?
After an abortion, it’s normal to experience bleeding and cramping similar to a period. The amount of bleeding and severity of pain can vary depending on your body and the type of procedure you had. Here is what you can expect:
Bleeding
You might have spotting or light vaginal bleeding that can be as heavy as a regular period for several days or even two weeks after the procedure. A number of women will have no bleeding at all until their next period.
How Long Does It Take to Fully Recover from Abortion?
Recovery times after an abortion can vary from person to person. Most women recover within a few days, but may take longer if complications occur. If your procedure was done under medical supervision at the clinic, you can learn more about what to expect in our Ultimate Guide to Medical Abortion in Johannesburg ↗
Those who used abortion pills at home, our Guide to Safe Abortion Pills covers how the pills work, what’s normal during recovery, and when to get medical support.
Typical Recovery Timeline and Symptoms
| Symptom | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Cramping / Pains |
A few days to a week. |
Usually managabake with over the counter medications like Nurofens / Ibuprofens. |
|
Bleeding / Spotting |
A week to almost 4 weeks at most. |
Bleeding is usually lighter after a surgical abortion unlike a medical procedure. |
|
Pregnancy symptoms |
A few days or 1 – 2 weeks |
Nausea fades within 3 days; breast tenderness may last up to a week. |
|
Normal activities |
Within 2 – 4 days |
Most people can return to work or school the next day, but should avoid strenuous activity for about a week |
|
Next period |
After 6 weeks |
Periods may be irregular at first; use contraception immediately to prevent pregnancy |
Follow-up Exam
A follow-up exam after abortion care is generally not required unless you have a specific concern. However, you are always welcome to schedule a visit for ongoing sexual and reproductive health care, including contraceptive advice, cervical cancer screening, STI testing and treatment, and PrEP services
📌 Learn More in Our :- Medical Abortion Guide ↗
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. If you are experiencing any complications during recovery, seek care immediately or contact Carlton Women’s Clinic Johannesburg for confidential support and personalised advise.
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Top 4 Abortion Recovery Questions Answered
How can i prevent infections?
To decrease the chance of pelvic infection, please follow these instructions:
- Take your antibiotics as directed by the doctor.
- Don’t have vaginal intercourse at least for 2 weeks.
- Don’t insert anything, including tampons, in your vagina.
- Do not douche, taking baths or swim. Use a shower instead.
When will my menstrual period begin?
Your next menstrual period should begin four to seven weeks after the procedure. You can get pregnant before then and should use birth control when you resume sexual intercourse. Your first few cycles may be irregular.
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- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2015). Induced Abortion. Retrieved January 3, 2019 from https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Induced-Abortion
- Better Health. (2018). Abortion Procedures. Retrieved January 3, 2019 from https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/abortion-procedures-surgical
- CDC. (2018). Abortion. Retrieved January 3, 2019 from https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/data_stats/abortion.htm
- Columbia University. (n.d.). Abortion. Retrieved January 3, 2019 from http://www.columbia.edu/itc/hs/pubhealth/modules/reproductiveHealth/abortion.html
- Health Human Rights. (2017). Abortion Law and Policy around the World. Retrieved January 3, 2019 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5473035/
- Linacre Quarterly. (2016). Abortion and public health: Time for another look. Retrieved January 3, 2019 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5102173/
- Medline Plus. (2018). Abortion. Retrieved January 3, 2019 from https://medlineplus.gov/abortion.html
- World Health Organization. (n.d.). Sepsis Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/sepsis
- NHS. (n.d.). Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pelvic-inflammatory-disease-pid/
- UpToDate. (n.d.). Uterine perforation during gynecologic procedures. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/uterine-perforation-during-gynecologic-procedures/print
