Procedure Abortion Aftercare

What to Expect

Cramping and Bleeding

Mild to moderate cramping may occur on and off for 2 weeks after the procedure. Hot packs applied to your lower abdomen or over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are recommended based on your medical status. Please call our office at 505.242.7512 to speak with a medical professional if you have any questions or concerns. 

Every patient experiences bleeding differently. Bleeding can range from a heavy period to none at all and vary from day to day. An increase in activity may increase this bleeding; therefore, we recommend slowly increasing your activity overtime and allowing your body to adjust accordingly.

Your Next Period

You can expect a period in 4 to 8 weeks. Spotting on and off until your first period is normal. This period may be lighter or heavier than normal; it varies from person to person. 

Call the clinic if:

Contraception

It is possible to get pregnant as soon as your pregnancy ends. If you are interested in using contraceptives, you should begin your chosen method within 5 days after your procedure for maximum efficacy.

Birth Control Pill

If you are interested in birth control pills, then you can start taking them the day after your abortion. If the birth control pills were not started within 5 days from the abortion, then be sure to use a back-up method, like condoms, throughout the first week.

Depo-Provera Injection

If you would like to use this method, we can give you this injection immediately following your abortion. You also have the option to receive the injection within 5 days of the procedure or at the provider’s discretion.

NuvaRing

If you would like to use this method, you can insert the ring within the first 5 days after your procedure. 

Patch

If you would like to use this method, you can apply the patch within the first 5 days after the completion of the procedure.

IUD and Implant

A device can be placed immediately after your abortion. We recommend scheduling this appointment as soon as possible and using another method until insertion.

Follow-up

An in-person follow-up examination is generally not required, but you may request an appointment for no additional cost up to 90 days after your procedure.