Pregnancy termination, as performed at NFWHCS, Inc., is a relatively simple medical procedure.  However, as with any medical procedure, infrequent complications do occur.  It is important that you know how to care for yourself after your procedure.  Following the instructions below can reduce your chance of complications and minimize your discomfort.

1.  Remember to fill any prescriptions that you have been given (one exception noted below), and to take them as directed on the label.  If you have been given a prescription for Motrin 800mg, it is optional that you fill it.  You may take over the counter Motrin or Ibuprofen instead.  If you are prescribed an antibiotic, please be aware it may interfere with the effectiveness of hormonal birth control.  Birth control manufacturers such as Berlex (Yaz), Ortho (Ortho Tricycline-Lo) and Warner Chilcott (Femcon Fe) suggest using a non-hormonal backup method during antibiotic treatment and for two weeks afterwards to be extra cautious.  Be sure to read the package inserts for prescribed medications.

2.  Get a thermometer!  Take your temperature two (2) times per day for the next week.  Elevated temperature may be a sign of infection which requires additional treatment. 

• For Vacuum Aspiration patients, call our office immediately if your temperature is    over 100.4F at any time.
• For Chemical Abortion patients, call our office immediately if your temperature is over100.4F for more than 4 hours on the day of Misoprostol use or above 100.4F on any day after Misoprostol use.

3.  Do not put anything into your vagina for two weeks or until after your post-abortion check-up.  This includes intercourse, fingers, diaphragms, tampons, douching, tub baths, hot tubs, and swimming (showers are ok).  Any introduction of bacteria into the vagina can increase your chances of getting an infection.  Also remember that women can become pregnant again following an abortion, some within two weeks.

4. In the absence of an elevated temperature after an abortion, it is normal to:

• For Vacuum Aspiration patients
  • Bleed on and off with a flow like your normal period or heavier for up to four or more weeks, you may not have any bleeding or just have spotting which is also considered normal.
  • Pass clots less than half dollar size. You may have increased cramping immediately prior to and during the passing of clots
  • Have cramps on and off for a week or two, worsening with activity.
  • Not to have your next period for up to 10 weeks and sometimes longer after your procedure, but on average 4-6 weeks after your abortion.

• For Chemical Abortion patients
  • Have nausea and vomiting or diarrhea with Misoprostol use.
  • Pass several blood clots ranging in size from a dime to a large lemon.  The embryo may be embedded in a blood clot and not seen at all or may be seen as a grape size, gray to white form.
  • Have heavy cramping starting within 4 hours of Misoprostol use and lasting 24-48 hours
  • Have bleeding lasting from 1-69 days, but on average 14-17 days.

You may go back to your normal light activities within a day or two, but need to rest at least the remainder of the day of your abortion whether it is an aspiration or chemical process.  Strenuous activity too soon can increase the likelihood of heavy cramping and bleeding.  You should refrain from strenuous activity; lifting small children, strenuous work, standing all day, etc. for at least 10 days.  If anything you do increases your cramping, bleeding, or clotting – STOP - you are doing too much.  Use common sense and remember that you just had a medical procedure. 

5.  Post Abortion Exam
An appointment for your post abortion exam will be made prior to your procedure.  This exam is free of charge for up to six (6) weeks after your abortion.  The purpose of this exam is to confirm that the abortion was successful and that your uterus is back to normal.  If you have had the vacuum aspiration procedure, a uterine exam and a pregnancy test will be done. If you have utilized the chemical process, an ultrasound and a pregnancy test will be done.  If you have started on birth control with us and wish to continue receiving your birth control prescriptions from us, then you will need to have a birth control exam (pap smear, breast exam, and other minor laboratory testing) in addition to your post-abortion check-up.  There is an additional fee for this expanded visit.

6. Post Abortion Emotional Health
You may experience a variety of feelings after an abortion, this is normal.  Women often experience feelings such as sadness, happiness, empowerment, anxiety, relief, grief and/or guilt.  There are no “right” or “wrong” emotions.  If you are having trouble coping with your feelings, you are welcome to call the clinic.  You may also find support by calling Exhale, a free national talk line that provides emotional support, resources and information at 1-866-4-EXHALE or visiting www.4exhale.org.  Partners and family members may also find support by calling Backline at 1-888-493-0092 or visiting www.menandabortion.com. If you would to like to share a positive abortion experience, try visiting www.imnotsorry.net.

CALL US IMMEDIATELY IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

• For Vacuum Aspiration patients
  • Temperature of 100.4F or more.
  • Heavy bleeding which totally saturates one full-sized maxi-pad within an hour.
  • Passing clots larger than silver dollar size.
  • Severe cramping, pain, or anything that is unusual.

• For Chemical Abortion patients
  • Temperature above 100.4 for more than 4 hours on the day of Misoprostol use or 100.4F on any day after Misoprostol use.
  • Heavy bleeding which saturates two full-sized maxi-pads per hour for two hours in a row.
  • Continued vomiting for more than 4-6 hours.
  • No bleeding 24 hours after Misoprostol use.
  • Abdominal pain or discomfort or general malaise (including weakness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea) more than 24 hours after using Misoprostol.

North Florida Women’s Health & Counseling Services, Inc.
IS AVAILABLE FOR EMERGENCY CONSULTATION 24 HOURS A DAY.