Aftercare Information

What to Expect After Surgery

• Bleeding is normal after surgery, and varies from woman to woman, and some women continue to bleed for 2-4 weeks after surgery.
  
• Cramping is normal. You should expect some cramping to last a few days to a week.
  
• All of these situations are normal, and not cause for concern.

How To Relieve Cramping

• Try one of the following "over the counter" medications: Advil, Nuprin, Motrin, Medipren - DO NOT take aspirin products, they may increase bleeding.
  
• Apply a heating pad or hot water bottle and elevate your legs.
  
• Sit on your toilet while massaging your lower abdomen downward.

When To Call

• Any time that you feel your bleeding is abnormal.
• If you are soaking through more than one maxi pad per hour.
• If cramping is continuous, getting worse and/or your abdomen gets hard, and is not relieved by following our instructions and taking the recommended medications.
• If your temperature is above 101 degrees.
• If you pass multiple blood clots larger than a silver dollar, for more than an hour.
• Foul smelling discharge accompanied by lower back pain.
  In case of a problem or medical emergency:
• If you are experiencing a serious or life threatening emergency, proceed to the closest emergency room.
• During normal working hours call the office if you are having a problem.
• If you are having a real and sudden problem, call the 508-222-7555 and speak to the answering service. They will have a Four Women Health Services nurse call you back. Please be considerate when calling the staff after normal hours.
  For Two Weeks Following Your Abortion or Your Follow Up Visit
• Keep your follow-up examination appointment.
• Do not insert anything into your vagina.
• Do not have vaginal intercourse.
• Do not use tampons.
• Do not douche.
• Do not swim or take baths, showers are fine.
  Be careful! You CAN get pregnant after an abortion and before your next period.