Q19. What is the aftercare?

A19. You will be given information by the clinic to take home with you after your abortion. This will include a series of do’s and don’ts as well as a follow up appointment.

This appointment will be arranged in the first two weeks after your abortion.

Once you are back home make sure you rest and allow time for your body to heal. You will experience vaginal bleeding and cramps during the next two weeks so use sanitary towels instead of tampons and take painkillers.

Over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen are fine.

You may notice that your menstrual period is earlier or later than usual but this will settle down into its normal routine.

Do not resume sex until the bleeding has fully ceased. Use contraception as you are at a high risk of becoming pregnant after an abortion. This is when you are at your most fertile so use protection if you do not want another pregnancy.

You may be given antibiotics to prevent an infection. Follow the course of these to the end.

Warning signs of an infection include: persistent, heavy bleeding, swollen and/or painful abdomen, fever, dark vaginal discharge and nausea. If you experience any of these then contact your GP. Do not leave an infection untreated as it can lead to complications which include infertility.

Use the counselling services offered to you.

For more information visit our coping after an abortion section.

FAQS Index:

Abortion FAQs

1. My pregnancy is unplanned, should I consider an abortion?
2. Does abortion hurt?
3. Why is abortion such a controversial issue?
4. I am thinking about having an abortion; what do I need to consider?
5. Is there more than one type of abortion?
6. I am under 16; do I have to get my parents permission to have an abortion?
7. How much does an abortion cost?
8. What reasons do women give for having an abortion?
9. Should I have my abortion on the NHS or at a private clinic?
10. Does counselling help?

12. How do I arrange an abortion on the NHS?
13. How do I arrange an abortion at a private clinic?
14. What is a ‘late term abortion?’
15. How safe is an abortion?
16. Will having an abortion make me infertile?
17. What happens at the initial consultation?
18. What are the risks of an abortion?
19. What can I expect after my abortion?
20. What is the aftercare?
21. Will I be able to have a baby some point in the future even though I have had an abortion?