Call us immediately if you soak 1 maxipad completely in an hour (twice in a row) or have blood clots larger than a golf ball (2 inches).

• Everyone’s bleeding is different after an abortion. It may be constant or off-and-on for up to 8 weeks, but should still not be heavy.
• It is normal to not start bleeding until days after your abortion, or bleed for just 1 day.
• Blood clots are normal if they are smaller than 2 inches.
• You may use either pads or tampons as long you can see how much you are bleeding.

Call us immediately if your temperature is over 100.4 degrees or you have discharge from your vagina that has a foul smell or strange color.

• Fever can be a sign of infection. If you feel feverish or have chills, take your temperature. Call us if it is over 100.4.
• Infection after abortion is rare. Most infections can be treated with medication and do not require hospitalization, but early treatment is important.

Call us immediately if you have severe pain that is not helped by medications listed below or given at your visit.

• Ibuprofen, Advil and Motrin are all the same medication and you can buy them without a prescription (take 800mg of Ibuprofen every 8 hours for cramping). If you prefer naproxen or Aleve, take 500mg every 12 hours.
• Do NOT take any medication containing asprin – it can increase bleeding.
• It may help to lie in the fetal position, use a heating pad, or massage your lower abdomen.

A follow-up visit will be required for some patients.

You can return to your normal activities and exercise when you feel ready. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for several days after your procedure. These activities may increase bleeding – if so, avoid them for a few more days.

You can get pregnant within 2 weeks after your abortion. If you choose to use birth control, you may start it the day after your abortion. Hormonal methods take 1 week of use to become effective if you do not start the day after your abortion. You can have sexual intercourse when you feel ready. Use birth control if you do not want to become pregnant.

After an abortion, women report feeling many things, like relief, sadness, anger, or confusion. Whatever your feelings are, they are valid. See the next page for information about the Exhale talkline – you may feel better after talking with them. If you feel overwhelmed by your feelings or feel you may hurt yourself, please call us immediately.

Your period should start in 4-8 weeks. Call us if it does not start within 8 weeks.

● Pregnancy symptoms, including nausea, should decrease within 2-3 days.
● Breast tenderness may last 2 weeks. Your breasts may produce some milk.
● To relieve breast tenderness, wear a supportive, snug bra, even while you sleep. Take Ibuprofen or Tylenol as directed on the bottle for pain. Avoid touching or squeezing your breasts. Do not express any milk or apply heat.