When to See a Doctor After an Abortion
After an abortion, whether medical or surgical, monitoring your health is essential. While abortion is generally safe, there are situations where seeking medical attention is necessary. This blog outlines when to see a doctor after an abortion, common post-abortion symptoms, and tips for recovery.
Normal Symptoms After an Abortion
Experiencing some symptoms after an abortion is expected. These may include:
- Bleeding and Cramping – Light to moderate bleeding and mild cramps may continue for several days to weeks.
- Fatigue – Feeling tired is normal as the body recovers.
- Nausea and Breast Tenderness – Pregnancy-related symptoms should gradually subside.
When to Seek Medical Help
It is crucial to see a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Excessive Bleeding – If you soak more than two pads per hour for two consecutive hours, seek immediate medical attention.
- Severe Pain – While cramping is normal, persistent or unbearable pain that does not improve with pain relievers may indicate complications.
- Fever and Chills – A fever higher than 38°C (100.4°F) or chills could indicate an infection that requires urgent medical treatment.
- Foul-Smelling Discharge – An unusual or bad-smelling vaginal discharge may be a sign of infection.
- Persistent Pregnancy Symptoms – If nausea, fatigue, or breast tenderness continue beyond two weeks, the abortion may be incomplete.
- No Bleeding at All – While heavy bleeding is a concern, the absence of bleeding after taking abortion pills may indicate that the abortion was unsuccessful.
- Signs of Emotional Distress – If you feel extreme sadness, anxiety, or depression, consider seeking mental health support or counseling.
Post-Abortion Care and Recovery Tips
To support your recovery, consider the following:
- Rest and Hydration – Give your body time to heal and drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid Heavy Lifting and Strenuous Activities – Allow your body to recover by avoiding excessive physical exertion.
- Use Pain Relievers as Needed – Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help with cramping.
- Practice Good Hygiene – Change pads frequently and avoid inserting anything into the vagina (e.g., tampons, douches) until advised by a doctor.
- Follow Up with a Healthcare Provider – A check-up after two weeks can confirm that the abortion is complete and ensure there are no complications.