Termination of Pregnancy

AFTER THE INTERVENTION

Back home

• if you have young children, plan on having someone to look after them
• eat whatever pleases you, and drink a lot
• resume your normal activities on the next day
• avoid intense physical activity for one week
• take a rest, if you feel the need for it .

Precautions

For one week, in order to prevent infection, you must avoid putting anything in your vagina.

This means:

• shower or bathe as you wish, but no swimming in a pool or a lake
• no tampons...sanitary pads only
• no douches or vaginal deodorant
• no sexual intercourse.

Bleeding

Bleeding varies with each woman, and from one intervention to another for the same woman.

• It can start immediately or within 3 or 4 days following the abortion. 
• Some women do not bleed at all (and it is not a problem).
• Bleeding could be heavy for a few days and then continue as spotting for up to 3 weeks.
• Some women will have bleeding on and off.  Sometimes, bleeding will be heavier in the morning or when you go to the toilet or if you are very active physically.
• Heavy bleeding may be caused by intense physical activity, lifting of heavy objects, alcohol consumption, taking aspirin, Midol, etc.
• Some women may pass clots.
• Women accostumed to tampons may have the impression of heavier bleeding when using sanitary pads.

Cramps

It is normal to have cramps after an abortion. It may worry some women who are not used to menstrual cramps. However, the pain can be relieved by taking 2 tablets, every 4 to 6 hrs of any of these analgesic (extra strength if necessary),
 ibuprofene: "Advil", "Motrin" or acetaminophene: "Tylenol", "Atasol", which can be bought over the counter in a pharmacy. Avoid Aspirin.

These also help:

• applying heat on lower abdomen
• doing light physical activity, such as taking a walk or climbing stairs.

A frequent scenario

• rest
• heat on lower abdomen
• every 4 to 6 hrs, take two tablets of any of these analgesic,
  ibuprofene: "Advil", "Motrin" or  acetaminophene: "Tylenol", "Atasol", sold freely in any pharmacy. Avoid Aspirin.

You may pass clots, after which the cramps will diminish.

Other small discomforts

After the intervention your hormone level will drop.  Some women will suffer from:

• constipation or feel bloated for a few days
• cramps radiating to their legs
• breast sensitivity will disappear in about a week.

Each woman is different.  Some will have no problem whatsoever after the intervention, others will find it more difficult even without any complication.

If you are worried,
call the "Clinique des Femmes"  Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m                    (819) 778-2055. Ext.122

off hours, you can call  Info-Santé and talk to a nurse : (819) 966-0180

Problems can happen

You must see a physician if you experience one of the following problems:                          

• fever (higher than 38ÁC or 101ÁF) for a few hours. It is important that you take your temperature if you are feeling feverish because it does not necessarily mean that you have a fever
• severe and persistent pain in the abdomen, not relieved by analgesic
• very heavy bleeding, that will soak a sanitary pad every hour for 5 consecutive hours (in this case, go to a hospital emergency, because it may be a case of "retention").

 If you have any complication after the procedure, we would like to know about it.

Pregnancy symptoms

• vomitting: nausea will disappear rapidly in 2 or 3 days
• breast sensibility: up to one week after. If this last more than 7 days, phone the "Clinique des femmes" to arrange for an appointment as soon as possible
• pregnancy test: can remain positive for approximately 3 weeks after the procedure and sometimes longer...  It is the necessary time to eliminate pregnancy hormones in your body.

Next menstruations

BUT you become fertile immediately, that is, before the next  menstruation. So YOU RISK GETTING PREGNANT IF YOU HAVE INTERCOURSE without protection.

Therefore, you must think about contraception right now.

Control visit

If you have a family doctor, we recommend that you have a control visit 3 to 6 weeks after the procedure.

Emotions

The great majority of women feel relieved after the procedure. Some might even feel sad. Some women or couples, will go through a short period of grief. Sadness is a healthy emotion, and it will subside with time.

Some friends and family can help you, others cannot.

If you feel lonely or misunderstood, please call on us. In most cases, talking freely about your worries will alleviate them.

Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health. Take care of yourself, do things that will make you feel good.

For many women, this experience is an opportunity to think about their life, to get to know themselves better, and to become more assertive.

Sexuality

Following your abortion, you might find changes regarding your sexual activities. For example, you may not have any desire for sexual intercourse for a period of time, although there is no medical contraindication.  TAKE TIME TO REGAIN YOUR SEXUAL DESIRE.

If you are unhappy with any aspect of your sexuality, take time to talk about it and to find a solution.