Physical complications are rare. The most common complications are heavy blood flow and infection. Danger signs include excessive bleeding (which is defined as saturating one pad top to bottom per hour), fever, nausea, severe cramps that don’t improve with over the counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol and heat or cold, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge. Additionally, passing blood clots is common after a surgical abortion. Golf-ball size clots are normal, however if you are passing clots that are lemon-size, you should follow-up with your provider. The clinic will give you instructions about what to do if any complications occur.

Recovery time varies after an abortion. If you receive moderate sedation, you are monitored for a minimum of 30 minutes post-procedure in recovery to ensure that you are feeling okay and to check your vaginal bleeding and are then required to have an escort drive you home. An antibiotic to prevent infection and a medication to help the uterus contract to its normal size are sometimes prescribed. Additional care, such as pain or nausea medication, may be offered while you are in the recovery room if you are feeling unwell.  

Avoid strenuous activities for a few days and then resume normal activities when you feel well. You can also ask the clinic or provider for a school or work note to excuse you for a few days while you recover.

There is often a bloody discharge like a menstrual period for several days and even up to 4-6 weeks after an abortion. Some individuals do not bleed at all. Both of these situations are considered normal. Normal periods should start within 4 to 8 weeks following an abortion.

To prevent infection, avoid douching, baths, tampons, and sexual intercourse for about 1-2 weeks after an abortion. Pads are useful to monitor bleeding over the first couple of weeks post-abortion.

Nausea is one of the first pregnancy symptoms to resolve after an abortion, taking up to a few days, while other symptoms such as breast tenderness may take several days. 

It is possible to become pregnant in the time after an abortion and before your next menstrual period, so it is recommended that you use a contraceptive method or abstain from sex. It is ok to begin a birth control method immediately. (Note that if you do start birth control, this can also change your bleeding pattern.) If you are not ready to discuss contraceptive methods at the time of your visit, you can schedule an appointment at another time with the clinic or at Health Services. 

A post-abortion checkup is generally not needed unless a patient reports complications such as excessive bleeding or infection symptoms.