If you recently had a medical abortion, you must be wondering what to expect and what aftercare should you perform for recovery. Whether you use a mifepristone and misoprostol kit or combipack of mifepristone and misoprostol tablet, ensuring right aftercare can help ensure a safe and smooth recovery. This is what you should know about the dos and don’ts after taking abortion pill.
What to Expect After Taking Abortion Pill?
After taking abortion pill, your body will go through some changes similar to a miscarriage. Here is what you can expect:
- Cramps and heavy bleeding after a few hours of taking misoprostol
- Expulsion of pregnancy tissues often with large blood clots.
- Temporary side effects like nausea, vomiting, or fever.
- Decrease in bleeding over the next few weeks as the abortion comes to an end.
- Getting your periods within 4-8 weeks.
These are normal symptoms, but it’s crucial to monitor your recovery and seek medical help if you notice anything weird. Being aware of these changes can prepare you mentally and physically for the recovery process.
Dos After Taking Abortion Pill
- Rest and Take It Easy
Your body needs time to heal so avoid lifting heavy weights, or extreme physical activity for a couple of days. Get enough sleep, eat your favorite food, take a small walk with your partner, spend time with your loved ones and that’s all.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat Nutritious Food
Drink plenty of water or herbal teas to stay hydrated throughout the day. Food rich in iron like red meat, lentils, and spinach to regain the blood loss.
- Monitor Bleeding and Symptoms
Bleeding for the first 24 hours is normal, but if you are soaking like 2 pads in one hour, for two consecutive hours, seek medical help. If you get fever or experience chills, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge, get in touch with a healthcare provider.
- Take Pain Medication if Needed
For cramps, use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. However, avoid aspirin as it can increase the bleeding.
- Follow Up With a Healthcare Provider
If it’s been 12-14 days after taking abortion pills and the process is complete, visit a healthcare provider to confirm the abortion was successful.
Don’ts After Abortion Pill
- Avoid physical Exertion
Lifting heavy weights can put a strain on your healing body, so avoid them for at least a week. If the cramps are severe, lie down and use a heating pad, or a bottle with warm water.
- No Insertion in Vagina
Do not douche, tampons, menstrual cups, or penetrative sex for at least 14 days to avoid the risk of infection. For bleeding you can use a sanitary pad which also helps you to track bleeding.
- Stay Away From Alcohol and Smoking
Alcohol and smoking can slow down the healing process and make side effects like nausea and dizziness even worse. Control yourself for at least 14 days.
- Do Not Skip Your Follow-Up
How do you confirm the abortion? By booking a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider and doing a blood test or ultrasound. This also helps to detect the risk of infections.
- Avoid Self-Medicating Without Guidance
If you need to take any extra pills other than abortion pills or herbal remedies, consult a healthcare provider first. Taking medicines without any guidance can cause health implications.
Conclusion
Taking the abortion pill is a safe and successful way of pregnancy termination, but aftercare is crucial after the process for a smooth recovery. Follow these dos and don’ts and help your body while minimizing the risks. If you encounter prolonged heavy bleeding, severe pain, or some unusual symptoms, get medical help immediately.
Knowing the dos and don’ts can help with the process which is good for your health and overall well-being. After abortion pill, care is crucial for a safe recovery. If you have used mifepristone and misoprostol kit or combipack of mifepristone and misoprostol tablet, proper aftercare provides the best result and a comfortable healing process.