It is crucial to prioritize self-care and recovery.
While recovering from abortion, whether conducted medically (with the pill) or surgically (using vacuum aspiration), both abortion procedures require some self care attention. There are some essential Do’s and Don’ts after abortion that every woman must follow in order to reduce the risk of getting complications.
What are the Abortion Do's and Don'ts?
After undergoing a medical abortion, it is crucial to prioritize self-care and recovery. Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to consider:
The abortion Do's
- Take plenty of fluids and maintain a healthy diet.
- Stay positive and keep in mind the reasons behind your decision.
- Use heating pads or hot water bottles to ease the abdominal cramps.
- pain relief medication like ibuprofen or codeine should you feel abdominal discomfort but avoid Aspirin containing Antacid medicines.
- 2. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- 3. Opt for sanitary pads instead of tampons or menstrual cups for the first 48 hours after taking the second set of tablets (misoprostol). If using pads, remember to change them regularly.
- Tell someone about your feelings, whether it’s a friend or a partner. if you feel your emptions are overwhelming seek counselling.
- 6. Take the pregnancy test provided in your medical abortion pack three weeks after taking the misoprostol tablets.
- 5. It is advisable to have someone accompany you to the abortion clinic or drive you home after the procedure because the general anaesthetic might make you feel drowsing.
- Please ensure that you keep track of your follow up appointment and show up to ensure your abortion provider can easily assess how you are recovering from abortion and any underlying issues that you might have not yet noticed.
Abortion Don'ts !
No Alcohol – Although modest alcohol use doesn’t reduce the effectiveness of most antibiotics, it can reduce your energy and delay how quickly you recover from illness. So, it’s a good idea to avoid alcohol until you finish your antibiotics and are feeling better.
Do not use Tampons – Rather use ordinary sanitary pads that will not restrict the blood flow and also avoid inserting anything inside the vagina for at least 2 weeks.
Penetrative Sex- After an abortion ovulation typically takes place within 21 to 29 days so it’s prudent to consider starting a reliable contraception method to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
No Swimming / Sitting in bath tubs – Using swimming pools or sitting in soapy water introduces bacteria into the vagina which could potentially lead to acquiring infections.
Avoid strenuous activities / Exercising – After an abortion procedure, the cervix gradually squeezes its self shut on its own pace. Straining your body or exercising too soon might cause you to bleed heavily again.
Lastly but not least – Do not ignore any signs of complications, such as heavy bleeding or fever. If you experience unusual symptoms, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
don’ts will help support your recovery and well-being after a medical abortion. However, remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance
Knowing how to care for yourself is crucial in facilitating an easier post-abortion recovery process, beyond the medical expertise of a practitioner. Although rare complications may arise following abortion, most individuals experience only minor side effects. However, insufficient knowledge regarding management of these side-effects can exacerbate discomfort and even result in further issues.
Following these do’s and don’ts will help support your recovery and well-being after a medical abortion. However, remember to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance
Bonus - Dietary Tips
After terminating a pregnancy, some women might experience extreme emotional and physical stress due to heavy bleeding. Eating specific foods during recovery will definitely prevent iron deficiency in the body.
- Calcium:- Dry fruits like nuts, seafood, milk, dairy products, and green leafy vegetables to fulfill the calcium deficiency in the body. These will keep your bones and muscles strong.
- Iron and Vitamin C: – Spinach, pumpkin, and beetroot are very essential for healing wounds and manufacturing of irons needed in the making of the red blood cells.
- Folic Acid: – Avocado, almonds, and walnuts these are rich in folic acids and help with mental stress and development of the red blood cells.
- Whole Grains: – Brown rice, quinoa and oats help in keeping the digestive system healthy. They also assist with providing relief in indigestion and gas conditions.
- Fatty Milk and Meats: – Fatty foods like dairy products butter, cheese and meat must be included in your diet.
After having an abortion procedure from any of our abortion centers, you can contact us at any time, Call / Whatsapp if you have any questions, concerns or require after-care support!
Rest assured, we are available to assist you promptly and provide the necessary information and guidance you need. Whether it’s right after your abortion or days later.
Frequently Asked Questions!
The timing for taking the pregnancy test provided in your medical abortion pack is mentioned in Passage_1. It advises you to take the test three weeks after consuming the misoprostol tablets. It is essential to use the pregnancy test specifically provided in the pack, as it differs from the tests available at stores. Following an abortion, pregnancy hormones may still be present in your body for up to two months. This means that if you were to utilize a commercially available pregnancy test, it might show a positive result for up to two months, even if you are no longer pregnant. For this reason, it is crucial to rely on the special pregnancy test provided in your medical abortion pack.
After a medical abortion, it is generally recommended to follow the post-procedure care instructions provided by your healthcare provider. While there may be restrictions on certain activities, such as taking baths, swimming, or engaging in strenuous exercise, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider for specific guidance tailored to your individual circumstances. These recommendations are often made to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria into the vagina, which could potentially lead to infections. Additionally, strenuous exercise may put additional strain on the body during the recovery process. It is crucial to prioritize your comfort and well-being during the post-abortion period. If you feel comfortable and have received clearance from your healthcare provider, you can gradually reintroduce activities such as having a bath, going swimming, or exercising. However, it is important to listen to your body and only engage in these activities when you feel ready. Ultimately, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine when it is safe and appropriate for you to resume these activities based on your individual circumstances and the specific instructions provided to you after the medical abortion.”
After having an abortion procedure from any of our abortion centers, you can contact us at any time, Call / Whatsapp if you have any questions, concerns or require after-care support!
Rest assured, we are available to assist you promptly and provide the necessary information and guidance you need. Whether it’s right after your abortion or days later.
After a medical abortion, it is important to listen to your body and have sex when you feel ready. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that fertility can return quickly after an abortion. Therefore, it is recommended to consider starting a method of contraception to prevent unintended pregnancy. As part of your NHS-funded abortion care with MSI Reproductive Choices, you can receive contraception counseling. If you’re unsure which contraceptive method would suit your individual needs, you have the option to book an appointment within three months of your abortion treatment to discuss and find the most suitable method for you.
Considering the question “Should I drink alcohol after an abortion?”, it is important to approach this topic with a comprehensive perspective. The decision on whether to consume alcohol following an abortion should be based on several factors and personal circumstances. First and foremost, it is crucial to prioritize your physical and emotional well-being during the recovery process after an abortion. Procedures may vary, and your healthcare provider will likely provide specific post-abortion care instructions tailored to your situation. Following these guidelines is essential to allowing your body to heal properly. Furthermore, alcohol may have an impact on both your physical recovery and emotional state. Consuming alcohol after an abortion, especially during the immediate recovery period, may hinder the healing process and impede the body’s ability to recuperate. Alcohol can also interact negatively with any medications you might be taking post-procedure, potentially increasing side effects or delaying recovery. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the potential risks and consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional for their advice. Additionally, it is essential to acknowledge the emotional aspects associated with an abortion. The feelings and emotions following this choice can vary significantly from person to person, and this can influence the decision on whether to consume alcohol. For some individuals, alcohol might provide temporary relief or serve as a coping mechanism, while for others, it may exacerbate emotional distress or hinder the healing process. Reflecting on your emotional state and seeking support from loved ones, counseling, or support groups might be more beneficial in the long run than turning to alcohol. Ultimately, the decision of whether or when to consume alcohol after an abortion is a personal one. Taking into account your physical recovery, emotional well-being, and seeking professional guidance can help you make an informed choice that is best suited for your individual circumstances.
Using a douche or soap inside the vagina after an abortion is not recommended. Doing so can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina and potentially increase the risk of infection. It is important to allow the vagina to naturally cleanse itself through the production of normal discharge. Therefore, it is best to avoid douching or using any soaps inside the vagina after an abortion procedure.
After undergoing a surgical abortion, it is important to prioritize your comfort and relaxation while at home. To achieve this, opt for comfortable and loose clothing that allows your body to move freely. Avoid wearing tight or restrictive garments that may cause discomfort or irritation. In addition to choosing the right clothing, make sure to create a tranquil environment in your home. Keep noise levels to a minimum, dim the lights if needed, and create a soothing, calm atmosphere. It is also important to give yourself time to rest and recover. Take it easy and avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting. Instead, focus on engaging in gentle activities such as reading, listening to music, or watching your favorite shows or movies. Remember to stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support your recovery process. If you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for further guidance and support.
