How much rest after abortion

Expect to bleed like a normal menstrual period, and you may pass small blood clots. Bleeding usually stops after weeks, but some women spot until their next period. Sometimes you may have a short episode of pain, with a gush of blood or a clot several weeks after the abortion - contact us if this continues. A few women don't bleed until their next period is due - and that is normal too. Misoprostol the second medication , causes strong cramps which can be very painful, and heavy bleeding, which can start 2 hours after using the tablets.

This lasts a few hours, and is most painful when the pregnancy is being expelled. Many women pass the pregnancy between 2 and 4 hours later - timings vary, but it is OK if this happens sooner or later.

You will be given codeine to help you manage the pain, and you can also use pain relief from supermarkets and pharmacies too. Please refer to the 'Pain control' section on the 'Abortion pill under 10 weeks' page, for information about managing your pain.

Once the pregnancy passes, the pain should reduce noticeably. It is likely you will feel cramping on and off for a week or so after - this should be easily managed with ibuprofen or paracetamol.

Most women experience cramping on and off, for about a week after a surgical abortion. You can take ibuprofen and paracetamol if needed. You can buy these over-the-counter pain medicines from a pharmacy, supermarket and other shops without a prescription. There are two strengths of ibuprofen tablets and you should carefully follow the directions that apply for the strength that you take.

Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used together if the recommended dose of either medicine alone does not control your pain. After an abortion most women feel relieved, but some also feel sad or guilty. Occasionally, although you feel well physically, perhaps it's a bit of a struggle emotionally. Would you like to talk but you're afraid that people are fed up with you…. Not sleeping well This is normal and talking through these feelings with an experienced listener can help. If you need to talk you can make an appointment for post-abortion counselling.

This is a free service for women who have had treatment at BPAS. Symptoms of nausea, vomiting and tiredness usually stop within 3 days of an abortion. Sore breasts may take 7 to 10 days to disappear.

You might not feel ready to have sex for a while after the procedure. You could be bleeding and feeling uncomfortable for a couple of weeks, which is unlikely to make you feel very sexy or aroused. Even after the physical effects have disappeared, you might not be emotionally ready to have sex again.

It is important to wait as long as you need and to be aware that you might feel a little bit different when you are ready to have sex again. If you have any questions or concerns about your physical, emotional or sexual wellbeing then there are plenty of places where you can get support:.

Do you have any other resources to share with women or couples who are going through this experience? The contents on this site is for information only, and is not meant to substitute the advice of your own physician or other medical professional. Physical Recovery The physical effects of an abortion are usually quite mild and you should recover quickly.

However, you should expect to experience some physical symptoms over the next couple of weeks: Bleeding for about weeks. It is heaviest during the first few days, but there may be spotting after that. Make sure that you use pads rather than tampons to reduce the risk of infection. Cramps for about 1 week. These will feel like period pain and should be managed the same way. You might feel tired, sick or have tender breasts for a few days after the termination.

Birth control is used to prevent pregnancy. Find out about the different means available, how they work, and how effective they are.

How to care for yourself after an abortion. What to expect Self-care tips Recovery time Medical care When to see a doctor Outlook Proper self-care is important for physical health and mental well-being after an abortion.

What to expect after an abortion. Share on Pinterest Resting and avoiding stress are important parts of the recovery process. Share on Pinterest Applying heat to the stomach may help to relieve cramping and pain. Recovery time. Medical care after an abortion. When to see a doctor. Share on Pinterest Women should see a doctor if they experience intense pain within a day of the abortion.

Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. What is depression and what can I do about it? Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. You may experience cramps for a few days. Some women experience an episode of heavy bleeding and cramps four to six days after the procedure. Blood-tinged discharge is common as bleeding slows. Discharge may appear as yellow or brown and may have a sour odor. To relieve cramps, take ibuprofen up to mg every six hours or Tylenol up to 1, mg every four hours.

Rest as well as a hot water bottle or heating pad on the abdomen can help. Pregnancy symptoms of nausea, vomiting and weariness usually cease within three days. Breast tenderness may take seven to 10 days to disappear. Your breasts may feel firm and tender and leak fluid after your procedure.

Your breasts will return to normal after three to four days of swelling. You will feel more comfortable if you wear a supportive bra and apply cold ice packs to your breasts. Take ibuprofen or Tylenol, if necessary, for pain. If you still feel pregnant after a week, call the UCSF Women's Option Center at to speak to one of our health care providers.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call the Women's Options Center to talk to a doctor or nurse. Your next menstrual period should begin four to seven weeks after the procedure.