After a safe abortion, some issues may be alleviated, but women still need to take care of themselves post-abortion, including managing any symptoms to ensure the procedure was complete and free of infection.
Women should observe their own symptoms…
After an abortion, it is common to experience vaginal bleeding that gradually decreases, a feeling of abdominal tightness similar to menstruation for about a week, and moderate fatigue. These symptoms are normal and will resolve on their own.
We may feel relieved from stress, but may also experience periods of depression due to hormonal changes. Generally, these symptoms will gradually improve on their own. The following are potential side effects and abnormal symptoms that require a doctor’s visit:
Normal symptoms after treatment
1. Vaginal bleeding and a feeling of abdominal tightness similar to menstruation for about a week
2. Moderate fatigue for a period of time
3. Feeling depressed or sad for several days
Abnormal symptoms that should prompt a doctor’s visit
1. High fever
2. Severe lower abdominal pain
3. Hard, tender abdomen
4. Severe nausea, vomiting, dizziness
5. Vaginal bleeding
– More than twice the normal menstrual flow, requiring two sanitary pads at once (and symptoms like fainting, dizziness, shock, or loss of consciousness)
– Lasting more than a week
6. Vaginal bleeding with abnormal color or foul odor
7. Persistent pregnancy-like symptoms
It is important that even if there are no abnormal symptoms requiring a doctor’s visit, one should still attend follow-up appointments to ensure the pregnancy has truly ended and to plan for contraception to prevent unintended pregnancies in the future.