Table of Contents
ToggleSelf-care after an abortion
Why Is Self-Care Important After an Abortion?
When Is the Right Time for Self-Care?
Self-care after an abortion
What Are the Best Self-Care Practices After Abortion?
Journaling.
Physical Recovery
Taking care of your body after an abortion is just as important as looking after your mind. Make sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and listen to your body.
Mild cramping and some bleeding are normal. For detailed advice on managing bleeding, cramps, and understanding what’s normal during recovery, see our Abortion Recovery Tips Guide ↗
Where to Find Support for Self-Care After Abortion?
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: It is normal to experience a range of emotions, including relief, sadness, or mood swings caused by sudden hormonal shifts.
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Seek Support:
Talk to trusted friends or family. If you need confidential, non-judgmental support, contact organizations such as:
- Carlton Women's Clinic : +27 83 765 1800
- Cavewell Medical Prac. : +27 78 575 4968
- SADAG: 0800 567 567
- Be Kind to Yourself: Activities such as keeping a journal, watching something you like, or going outside can help you cope.
📌 Learn More About:- Post-Abortion Care in 2026
During
Summary
s://www.dremily.net/blog/tips-for-self-care-after-an-abortion
Focus on:
Emotional well-being
Mental health and reassurance
Rest, nutrition, gentle routines
Coping after the procedure
Dr. Nelisiwe Mbele, with the
Carlton Women’s Clinic
Team
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Frequently Asked Questions
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- Healthline. (n.d.). Nutrition Tips After Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.132healthwise.com/food-you-should-eat-after-an-abortion.php
- BSW Health. (n.d.). Dietary Changes After Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/abortion-recovery
- Healthline. (n.d.). Weight Loss After Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition
- Carlton Women’s Clinic Johannesburg. (n.d.). Right Abortion Method. Retrieved from https://www.womensclinicjohannesburg.co.za/best-abortion-method/
- HealthDirect. (n.d.). Oestrogen. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/oestrogen
- WebMD. (n.d.). Progesterone Uses and Risks. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/progesterone-uses-and-risks
- Carlton Women’s Clinic Johannesburg. (n.d.). Medication Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.womensclinicjohannesburg.co.za/medical-abortion-in-johannesburg/
- Carlton Women’s Clinic Johannesburg. (n.d.). Surgical Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.womensclinicjohannesburg.co.za/what-you-need-to-know-about-surgical-abortions/
- Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Foods to Help Healing. Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/foods-to-help-healing
- Life Healthcare. (2023). Post-Surgical Diet Guidance. Retrieved from https://www.lifehealthcare.co.za/media/3773/life-oncology_diet-sheets_diarrhoea_june2023_v4-outlines.pdf
- PMC. (2014). Iron Deficiency and Wound Healing. Retrieved from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4091310/
- Food & Home Magazine. (n.d.). Anti-inflammatory Foods. Retrieved from https://www.foodandhome.co.za/how-to/anti-inflammatory-foods
- Carlton Women’s Clinic Johannesburg. (n.d.). Recovering from Abortion. Retrieved from https://www.womensclinicjohannesburg.co.za/recovering-from-abortion/
- Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Proper Hydration. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-much-water-should-you-drink
- Carlton Women’s Clinic Johannesburg. (n.d.). Abortion Recovery Tips. Retrieved from https://www.womensclinicjohannesburg.co.za/abortion-recovery-tips/#post-abortion-care
- BSW Health. (n.d.). Consult Your Doctor Before Starting New Diet. Retrieved from https://www.bswhealth.com/blog/consult-your-doctor-before-starting-new-diet-or-fitness-program
The physical and hormonal healing period following an abortion, during which the body restores strength, balance, and normal function.
A condition caused by low iron levels, often linked to blood loss, leading to fatigue, weakness, and reduced oxygen transport.
The stabilization of reproductive hormones after pregnancy ends, supporting energy levels, mood, and overall recovery.
A key female hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and reproductive system, which fluctuates after abortion.
A hormone that supports pregnancy and drops after abortion, triggering physical recovery processes.
The body’s ability to digest and absorb vitamins and minerals needed for healing and energy restoration.
Foods that help reduce inflammation in the body, supporting tissue repair and faster recovery.
A diet rich in protein that supports muscle repair, tissue healing, and immune strength.
The maintenance of essential minerals that regulate hydration, nerve function, and muscle activity.
A measure of how well the body is supplied with fluids, essential for circulation and healing.
The process by which the body rebuilds damaged or stressed tissues following a medical procedure.
Dietary choices that strengthen the immune system and help protect against infection during recovery.
Foods high in iron that help replenish blood levels and reduce post-procedure fatigue.
The process by which vitamin C enhances iron uptake and supports immune and tissue health.
Medical guidance, nutrition, and self-care practices that support safe and complete recovery.





