What happens after an abortion
After an abortion, you may get:
- tummy cramps or pain for a few days
- vaginal bleeding – this can last for several weeks after a medical or surgical abortion
The medicines used in a medical abortion can also cause diarrhoea and make you feel sick. This usually goes away within 1 day.
If the abortion was carried out at a clinic, you do not usually need to have any other tests or appointments after an abortion.
If the abortion was done at home, the abortion provider usually arranges a follow-up appointment. This appointment can be done by phone or text message. They may also send you a special pregnancy test to make sure the pregnancy has ended.
If you're worried, contact 111 or a GP. The clinic or hospital can also give you the number of a 24-hour helpline to call.
Fertility and future pregnancy
After an abortion, your chance of getting pregnant in the future should return to what it was before.
Urgent advice: Contact NHS 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if:
You've recently had an abortion and you:
- get any pain or bleeding that does not get better within a few days
- still feel pregnant after about a week
- have any signs of infection (including a temperature, flu-like feelings or unusual vaginal discharge)
- have any other concerns
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Recovering at home
There are things you can do after an abortion that may help your recovery.
Do
-
take painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol if you're in pain
-
take a shower or have a bath, as you usually would
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If you've had an anaesthetic, make sure someone else is around to help, in case you feel sleepy
-
use sanitary pads as they can help you see how much you're bleeding
-
use contraception as it's possible to get pregnant straight after an abortion
Don’t
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do not have sex until you feel ready