After an abortion, you may feel vulnerable, both physically and emotionally. It’s important to understand what you should and shouldn’t do to protect your health and find healing.
In this blog, we’re discussing the do’s and don’ts after abortion. Keep reading to learn more!
Do’s After Abortion
Take Time to Rest
Your body needs time to heal physically and emotionally. Rest as much as you need and listen to your body’s signals. Here are a few tips1:
- Avoid strenuous activity for a few days. Do not lift anything heavier than 10 pounds.
- Avoid aerobic activity, such as running or working out until cleared by your doctor.
- Avoid vaginal intercourse for up to 3 weeks, unless cleared by your doctor.
Reach Out for Support
If you’re experiencing mental health struggles after an abortion, confide in someone you trust or join a post-abortion support group. Talking about your feelings can help you process your abortion experience and find healing.
Have Access to Post-Abortion Care
Follow the post-abortion care guidelines provided by your doctor. This may include taking medications or attending follow-up appointments.
If you experience any side effects, it’s important to have access to emergency care. Speak to a medical professional immediately if you experience the following1:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding (you need to change your pads more often than every hour)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Pain or swelling in one leg
- Pain or pregnancy symptoms beyond 2 weeks
- Signs of infection, such as persistent fever, abdominal pain, vaginal drainage that looks like pus, or vaginal drainage with a foul odor
If you need emergency care, be honest about the fact that you had an abortion. If you tell the medical professionals that you had a miscarriage (or some other problem), they may not be able to properly diagnose and treat you.
Don’ts After Abortion
Rush the Emotional Healing Process
Don’t put pressure on yourself to move on immediately. Emotional healing takes time and everyone’s journey is different. You don’t have to do this alone. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support if needed!
Have Sex Until Approved by Your Doctor
After taking the abortion pill, women should abstain from sex for two to three weeks2 to prevent infection and because bleeding can last between two to four weeks.3 After a surgical abortion, healthcare providers will evaluate women and clear them for activity.
It’s also important to note that it’s possible to become pregnant again shortly after an abortion. Ovulation can resume as early as 3 weeks after an abortion.4 If you don’t want to become pregnant again for a while, you may want to consider avoiding sex altogether.
Ignore the Warning Signs
If you think you might be experiencing an incomplete abortion5, infection6, hemorrhaging7, or any other concerning symptoms, don’t ignore the warning signs. Contact your doctor immediately to receive treatment. It may save your life!
After-Abortion Support Groups in Alabama and Online
Understanding the do’s and don’ts after abortion can help you to heal physically and emotionally. Need more support on your journey? Give us a call at (205) 894-2868 to learn more about our after-abortion support groups!
A kindhearted facilitator will call you and tell you more so that you can move toward freedom. Support groups are located in various locations in Alabama. You can also participate virtually.
Please be aware that Abortion Recovery Alabama does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023, January 1). Abortion – procedure – aftercare. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000658.htm
- As stated by abortion providers in August 2024.
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024, May 1). Mifepristone (Oral Route) Side Effects. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067123?p=1
- Schreiber, C. A., Sober, S., Ratcliffe, S., & Creinin, M. D. (2011). Ovulation resumption after medical abortion with mifepristone and misoprostol. Contraception, 84(3), 230–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.contraception.2011.01.013
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2020, December 2). Abortion – Surgical. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002912.htm
- See source #5.
- See source #5.