What You Need To Know About Post-Abortion Recovery
Even though you may have made the choice to have an early surgical abortion, you may still have questions. This is normal, as the procedure can seem complex, and you might have a lot you want to know about your recovery period.
This is what you need to know about recovery after early surgical abortion. Further questions can be directed to your doctor, who will be able to provide information personal to your situation.
Recovery Doesn't Last Long
The first thing you need to know is that recovery is relatively quick for early surgical abortion. You should pay attention to any pain you feel in your body, but most people are able to return to most normal activities within a day. You should avoid driving or anything else that could be dangerous for one day.
During recovery, it is important that you take any medications prescribed by your doctor. You should also avoid sexual intercourse, swimming, and sitting in the bath until your doctor tells you that it is safe to do so.
You May Bleed for Several Days
During recovery, you should expect bleeding. Bleeding may last several weeks, ranging in severity. You should use pads or period underwear to collect the blood, opting away from tampons and cups for now. When you bleed, you might experience some cramping. Cramps can last for several days, and you can take ibuprofen to treat them.
You May Still Have Symptoms of Pregnancy
After your procedure, you may still be tired and nauseous. You may also notice that your body aches or your breasts are sore. After a few days, these symptoms will disappear.
There are some symptoms that you should report to your doctor, however. They include high fever, heavy bleeding, or serious pain. They could be signs that you need to see your doctor again.
Continue Taking Your Birth Control
If you use birth control, you should continue to take it after your surgery unless advised not to by your doctor. If you plan to have an IUD inserted, make sure that you establish a follow-up appointment with your doctor to avoid pregnancy in the future.
Talk to Your Doctor Before the Procedure
After your early surgical abortion procedure, you will need some time to rest. If you are uncertain what recovery looks like for you, speak with a medical provider to learn more about what life looks like post-surgery.
