If you’ve recently had an abortion or you are considering an abortion, you may be wondering what to expect during the recovery period.
Every woman’s abortion experience is different, making it difficult to predict how your body will respond. There are known side effects and risks to abortion procedures. Understanding side effects and potential complications from abortions and when to seek out medical care is essential to protecting your future health.
Physical Side Effects of Abortion
Abortion can impact both your physical and mental health. While some side effects are not uncommon, others indicate that you should seek immediate medical care.
The physical side effects of abortion can include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Vaginal bleeding
- Headache
- Diarrhea
When to Seek Medical Care
In addition to the side effects, there are signs that your body is developing complications that can jeopardize your health and safety. Following an abortion procedure, if you experience any of the following complications, call your medical provider immediately:
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Bleeding that is heavy enough that pads need to be changed every hour for more than two hours
- Pain that worsens instead of improving
Early recognition of these signs is vital; complications that are left untreated can lead to life-threatening conditions like sepsis and hemorrhages.
If you believe you may be experiencing abortion complications and are unable to reach your medical provider for any reason, call 911 immediately.
Emotional Well-Being
Along with the physical risks associated with abortion, it is essential to understand the impact abortion can have on your mental health.
Feelings of sadness, guilt, and emotional pain are common after an abortion, but they can progress to serious mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or even suicide.
If at any time during the abortion recovery process you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact the Suicide Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988.
You can find out more about emotional recovery after an abortion here.
We’re Here to Help
At Choices, we are here for you.
If you’re pregnant and considering abortion, Choices offers lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans at no cost, which can help you understand your options and give you more information about the risks associated with abortion.
If you are in the recovery period after an abortion, we have support groups and individual sessions to help you navigate abortion healing.
Contact us today for your free and confidential appointment.
Most importantly, if you expect you are currently experiencing abortion complications, call your healthcare provider immediately.