POST-ABORTION FOLLOW-UP CARE

Phones answered: 7 a.m. - 6p.m. Monday through Friday
Clinic phone number: 612-376-7708
After-hours emergency phone number: 612-376-7940


On this page you'll find information about (shortcut to scrolling):
Bleeding

Normal bleeding can vary from light/spotty to as heavy as a normal period. It can last a couple days or on/off for a couple weeks. It is not uncommon to stop bleeding and then start again 3-8 days post-abortion. This bleeding may be heavier and you may pass dark, grape jelly-like clots. THIS IS NORMAL. You only need to call if you are soaking/saturating one maxi pad in one hour, continuing 3 to 5 hours. (It is also normal to have no bleeding at all.) Your next period should come in 3 to 8 weeks and may be heavier than normal.

Temperature

Take your temperature 3 times a day for 3 days following your procedure. If your temperature should elevate to 100.4 or higher, take 2 acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) and continue taking your antibiotics. If your temperature does not come down with acetaminophen over the next 2 hours, call the clinic.

Cramping

Cramping after an abortion is a natural response by the uterus to contract back to its non-pregnant state and to control bleeding. Cramping is normally slight to moderate. You may take ibuprofen (i.e. Advil, Nuprin) as long as you do not have any sensitivity to aspirin. Applying heat (warm tub bath, heating pad, etc.) may also help decrease cramping. It is not unusual to have increased cramping 3 to 8 days after your procedure.

Infection Control

Your cervix is dilated during the surgical abortion process; therefore, you are potentially more susceptible to infection. You will be given a prescription for an antibiotic as a precautionary measure. Take the medication as directed until it is gone unless advised otherwise. The antibiotic may cause nausea, upset stomach and/or a yeast infection. Your skin may become photosensitive while on this medication, so avoid tanning during pill regimen. Your cervix will gradually close and be back to normal by the time you have your post-abortion checkup. You MUST AVOID douching, tampon use and intercourse (ANYTHING INSERTED IN THE VAGINA COULD CAUSE A PELVIC INFECTION) until 2 weeks after your abortion. If a vaginal infection is diagnosed the day of your abortion, a prescription and/or treatment information will be given.

Physical/Emotional Changes

Changes take place in a woman's body during pregnancy due to the increase in hormones. Among these changes are breast tenderness or fullness, secretion of milk from the breasts, fluid retention, complexion changes, nausea, and emotional "highs" and "lows". These changes reverse themselves following the abortion.
  • Wearing a bra with good support may help decrease breast tenderness.
  • Do not stimulate the breasts. Stimulation may cause or increase milk secretion.
  • A cool shower and/or ice-packing your breasts may decrease tenderness. (Do not apply ice directly to skin.)
  • Nausea should subside very soon after the procedure.
Some of the other changes may not reverse as rapidly. Be patient; relief of unpleasant symptoms will occur. If you are concerned about how you are feeling physically/emotionally, call the clinic and ask to speak with a nurse or counselor.

Activities

There is no medical reason why you can't resume MOST normal activities/exercise following the abortion. You may bathe, swim, return to work/school and drive. (Driving must be avoided for the remainder of the day if you have had oral or IV sedation.) For some people, too much activity may cause fatigue or increase bleeding and cramping. If this happens, lighten your activity level. If you feel better in a couple days, and you have had no other medical problems, you may return to your normal physical activities. Refer to the CRAMPING and BLEEDING sections as needed.

Future Pregnancies

Throughout the history of this facility, our physicians have found no evidence to conclude that abortion in and of itself has an effect on future pregnancies. However, it is always important to tell your physician your prior pregnancy history when planning on continuing a pregnancy.

Post-Abortion Checkup

You need to have a checkup after the abortion. The preferred time to have this checkup is 3 weeks post-abortion. If you choose to return to your own physician, have him/her perform a pelvic exam, speculum exam and repeat a pregnancy test. If your pregnancy test is positive at your physician's office, find out what type of test was run. Some pregnancy tests are more sensitive than others and can still be positive 2 to 3 weeks post-abortion. This does not necessarily mean you are still pregnant. Call the clinic during regular business hours for further instructions if your test is positive.

OUR CLINIC WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY HOSPITAL/CLINIC/OTHER PHYSICIAN'S FEES/COSTS RESULTING FROM A COMPLICATION OF THE ABORTION.


Meadowbrook Women's Clinic, P.A.
825 South 8th Street, Suite 1018
Minneapolis, MN 55404
612-376-7708 / 1-800-721-7708
info@meadowbrookclinic.com


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