Recovering From an Abortion
Any surgical procedure has its risks and having an abortion, the removal of a fetus or embryo from a woman's uterus, is no exception. It may be a day-patient procedure but there will be after-care needed and women should be aware of the possible problems which could arise when recovering from an abortion.
An abortion is the surgical or chemical termination of a pregnancy involving the intentional destruction of the embryo or fetus. In the vast majority of cases this is carried out as a day procedure.
However it is unlikely that a woman will recover instantaneously and there are things she will need to do to aid recovery and return to a normal healthy and fertile state again.
She will be advised to:
Drink plenty of water afterwards
Rest for a few days and get plenty of sleep.
Take vitamins and eat a healthier diet.
Take any antibiotics which will have been prescribed to ward off infections (which are common after an abortion).
Discuss birth control with her GP as ovulation can start again within two weeks of an abortion which means pregnancy could occur again without prevention.
Have a follow-up consultation her GP to check she is recovering well.
She should avoid:
Sex for up to 4 weeks. It’s very important that a woman abstains from sex until she is physically and emotionally healed.
Exercise for at least two weeks.
Swimming or hot tubs for two weeks.
Lifting heavy weights or straining in any way.
Using any item vaginally for about 4 weeks (e.g. tampons or douches).
Basically it is important that the cervix has closed completely before a woman leads a normal life again. If the cervix is still open, bacteria could enter the uterus causing infections.
Possible side effects after an abortion:
Milk flow: If a woman is more than nine weeks pregnant when she has an abortion she may leak a milky fluid from her breasts afterwards. This is normal and caused by hormones which are triggered whenever a pregnancy is ended. The breasts may feel tight, engorged and sore. Wearing a snug-fitting bra constantly will ease the discomfort until the milk dries up – which can take up to four weeks. During that time it’s important not to rub or stimulate the breasts as this will encourage milk flow.
Infection or bleeding in the uterus: symptoms could include a fever, increased bleeding as the recovery proceeds (heavier than a usual period), large blood clots (small grape-sized ones are expected) bright red (fresh) bleeding, excessive cramping or pain (some period-pain-like discomfort is normal), foul-smelling discharge, swelling in the abdomen, blood in the stools or urine, a change in bowel or bladder habits or light-headiness. Medical help should be sought if any of these symptoms present themselves.
Remaining tissue: Sometimes some of the pregnancy tissue is left behind – it’s called a missed abortion, or incomplete abortion. A follow-up procedure may be necessary to remove it.
Sadness: Pregnancy hormones can affect women for up to a year after an abortion, so she may feel more emotional, sad, tired, weak, nauseous or have no appetite. In extreme cases a woman may feel depressed and tearful. Counselling may be needed.
Most abortions are uncomplicated and safe, but there are risks with ANY surgical procedure.
About Author:
Debra Aspinall is an experienced journalist and the editor and leading writer for the Emma's Diary website, one of the UKs foremost pregnancy and baby websites. Debra writes on pregnancy related topics such as maternity pregnancy, preconception, fertility diet and etc. She also writes on women's health and beauty issues and contributes travel articles to glossy magazines in London and the Home Counties.
An abortion is the surgical or chemical termination of a pregnancy involving the intentional destruction of the embryo or fetus. In the vast majority of cases this is carried out as a day procedure.
However it is unlikely that a woman will recover instantaneously and there are things she will need to do to aid recovery and return to a normal healthy and fertile state again.
She will be advised to:
Drink plenty of water afterwards
Rest for a few days and get plenty of sleep.
Take vitamins and eat a healthier diet.
Take any antibiotics which will have been prescribed to ward off infections (which are common after an abortion).
Discuss birth control with her GP as ovulation can start again within two weeks of an abortion which means pregnancy could occur again without prevention.
Have a follow-up consultation her GP to check she is recovering well.
She should avoid:
Sex for up to 4 weeks. It’s very important that a woman abstains from sex until she is physically and emotionally healed.
Exercise for at least two weeks.
Swimming or hot tubs for two weeks.
Lifting heavy weights or straining in any way.
Using any item vaginally for about 4 weeks (e.g. tampons or douches).
Basically it is important that the cervix has closed completely before a woman leads a normal life again. If the cervix is still open, bacteria could enter the uterus causing infections.
Possible side effects after an abortion:
Milk flow: If a woman is more than nine weeks pregnant when she has an abortion she may leak a milky fluid from her breasts afterwards. This is normal and caused by hormones which are triggered whenever a pregnancy is ended. The breasts may feel tight, engorged and sore. Wearing a snug-fitting bra constantly will ease the discomfort until the milk dries up – which can take up to four weeks. During that time it’s important not to rub or stimulate the breasts as this will encourage milk flow.
Infection or bleeding in the uterus: symptoms could include a fever, increased bleeding as the recovery proceeds (heavier than a usual period), large blood clots (small grape-sized ones are expected) bright red (fresh) bleeding, excessive cramping or pain (some period-pain-like discomfort is normal), foul-smelling discharge, swelling in the abdomen, blood in the stools or urine, a change in bowel or bladder habits or light-headiness. Medical help should be sought if any of these symptoms present themselves.
Remaining tissue: Sometimes some of the pregnancy tissue is left behind – it’s called a missed abortion, or incomplete abortion. A follow-up procedure may be necessary to remove it.
Sadness: Pregnancy hormones can affect women for up to a year after an abortion, so she may feel more emotional, sad, tired, weak, nauseous or have no appetite. In extreme cases a woman may feel depressed and tearful. Counselling may be needed.
Most abortions are uncomplicated and safe, but there are risks with ANY surgical procedure.
About Author:
Debra Aspinall is an experienced journalist and the editor and leading writer for the Emma's Diary website, one of the UKs foremost pregnancy and baby websites. Debra writes on pregnancy related topics such as maternity pregnancy, preconception, fertility diet and etc. She also writes on women's health and beauty issues and contributes travel articles to glossy magazines in London and the Home Counties.
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