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Looking after yourself after an abortion.
Recovery time after an abortion will be different for everyone, but you'll usually feel better within a few days.
However, if you feel like you’re experiencing any problems – either physical or emotional – after the treatment, we’re here to help. You can call our aftercare line 24 hours a day and talk to one of our friendly, experienced nurses.
Contact us for a confidential chatThese booklets will give you the aftercare information and advice you need after your abortion.
We have aftercare booklets for medical and surgical abortion.
It is important that you read this information.
If you need to speak to an aftercare nurse, call 0345 122 1441.
Abortions are very safe when performed or assisted by specialists. However, any medical treatment or surgical procedure carries some side effects.
In this short video, Dr Sarah Salkeld, Clinical Lead for Early Medical Abortion at MSI Reproductive Choices UK, explains how medical abortions work: the difference between the two abortion tablets (mifepristone and misoprostol) and what to expect in terms of side effects.
It’s good to know what’s normal after an abortion, so you know what to expect and what to look out for.
Everyone will have a different experience after either a medical or surgical abortion has been completed. Usually you will experience some bleeding (ranging from spotting to heavy clots). This can continue up to your next period and may be unpredictable, irregular, or prolonged. It's important you use sanitary towels and not tampons or menstrual cups as this will help to prevent infection. It’s also normal to have crampy pains (cramps).
Pregnancy symptoms will start to settle after a couple of days. Nausea and vomiting are one of the first symptoms to disappear after treatment. It is common to have tender breasts for several weeks.
Different feelings may come up for people after an abortion, including relief and sadness. These are all normal things to feel. We’re here to talk at any time and can arrange post-abortion counselling, either face-to-face or over the phone. If you have any concerns call our aftercare line to speak to a nurse.
Following an abortion, cramps can be constant or can come and go.
It's not unusual to continue to get cramping on and off in the first 2 weeks after treatment.
Pain relief after abortion
We'll give you advice on pain relief tablets such as paracetamol, codeine, or ibuprofen. Please do not take aspirin as it can increase bleeding.
Here are some other things you can do to lessen the pain:
If you have any worries about any pain you experience following your abortion, you can call our aftercare line on 0345 122 1441 any time to speak to a nurse.
Here are some important things to bear in mind:
If you experience any of the symptoms below, call us straight away:
If you experience any of these symptoms, please call us immediately on 0345 122 1441
You’ll find answers to the questions people ask most about abortion aftercare here. If you can’t find the information you need, please call us on 0345 122 1441.
Sepsis can be caused by an infection in any part of the body. Sepsis after an abortion is rare, but very serious. Symptoms of sepsis can be like having the flu at first. If you develop any of the signs below it is important to seek urgent medical advice:
If you think you have any signs of Sepsis seek urgent medical advice.
