Hesperian Health Guides
What to Expect after an Abortion
Normal monthly bleeding should start about 4 to 6 weeks after an abortion. But you can become pregnant again after 11 days.
After an abortion by suction or D&E, signs of pregnancy, like nausea and sore breasts, should disappear within a day. If it was a medical abortion, breasts may stay sore for a week or two. If signs continue, you could still be pregnant, either in your womb or in one of your tubes (ectopic pregnancy). This is an emergency. See a health worker right away.
You may feel a little tired and have some cramps or pains for a day after the abortion. You may have bleeding like a light menstrual period for as long as 2 weeks and spotting until your menstrual period returns. Your next normal period should start 4 to 6 weeks after the abortion. It might take longer if you were more than 5 to 6 months pregnant.
People who have an abortion can have many kinds of feelings about it. Especially if you did not talk with anyone before the abortion, it may help to talk to someone now.
How to care for yourself after an abortion:
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| After an abortion, you can get pregnant again before your next period. Start birth control right away if you do not want to get pregnant. |
- To avoid infection, do not have sex or put anything in your vagina (including tampons or menstrual cups), for at least 5 days after the abortion and 2 days after heavier bleeding stops. Avoid swimming and sitting in water to bathe during this time.
- If you have cramps or pains, rest and use a hot water bottle on your belly. Take ibuprofen or another pain medicine.
- To lessen pain and bleeding, rub or massage your lower belly often. This helps the womb squeeze down to normal size and lessen bleeding.
- Drink lots of liquids to help you recover faster.
- You can go back to your usual activities as soon as you feel well, usually within a day