What to expect after an abortion, and when to seek help

Recovery is individual

How you feel afterwards depends on the method used, how far along the pregnancy was, and you. That is why this article describes recovery in general terms and keeps returning to one point: follow the instructions your own clinician gave you.

What is commonly expected

Some bleeding and cramping after an abortion is normal. With a medical abortion, bleeding and cramping are how the pregnancy passes, so they are part of the treatment rather than a side effect of it. After a surgical abortion, bleeding and cramping are usually part of recovery too.

Your clinician should tell you roughly what to expect, how to manage discomfort, and what would be unusual for you.

Looking after yourself

• Rest when you need to, and return to normal activities as you feel able and as you were advised.
• Take pain relief only as your clinician recommended.
• Eat and drink normally.
• Follow any instructions you were given about what to avoid while you recover.
• Keep the clinic’s contact number somewhere easy to find.

How you might feel

People describe relief, sadness, calm, guilt, numbness, or several of these at once. Feelings can also shift over days and weeks. None of this means something is wrong with you or with your decision.

If your feelings are heavy or are not easing, talk to someone: a healthcare professional, a counsellor, or a person you trust. Counselling after a termination is something South African law specifically provides for, on a voluntary basis.

When to seek medical attention

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you have:

• very heavy bleeding, or bleeding much heavier than you were told to expect
• a fever or chills that do not settle
• severe pain that is not eased by the pain relief you were advised to take
• vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant or unusual
• dizziness, fainting, or feeling very unwell
• signs that you may still be pregnant in the weeks afterwards

If it feels like an emergency, call 112 from a mobile phone or 10177 for an ambulance, or go to your nearest emergency unit. You do not have to be sure it is serious, and you should be treated without judgement wherever you go.

Your follow-up

Follow-up confirms that the treatment is complete and that you are well. It is worth attending even if you feel fine. See aftercare and follow-up.

Contraception afterwards

It is possible to become pregnant again soon after an abortion. If you want to avoid that, ask about contraception during your care or at follow-up. See contraception options explained.