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 post-procedure. Following the instructions below can reduce your chance of complications and minimize your discomfort.

1. Fill any prescriptions that you may have been given (one exception noted below), and 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.

2. Get a thermometer! Take your temperature two (2) times per day for the next two weeks. 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 100.4 F at any time.
• For Chemical Abortion patients, call our office immediately if your temperature is over 100.4 F for more than 4 hours on the day of misoprostol use or above 100.4 F on any day after using misoprostol.

3.  Do not put anything into your vagina for two weeks.  This includes intercourse, fingers, diaphragms, tampons, douching solutions, and water (so, no tub baths, hot tubs, or swimming, but 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 anytime following an abortion, even within the first 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
  • Not have any bleeding or just have spotting.
  • Pass clots quarter size or slightly larger. 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 on average 24-48 hours
  • Have bleeding lasting from 1-69 days, but on average 14-17 days.

5. No Strenuous Activity
You may go back to your normal light activities within a day or two, but you 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 that you do increases your cramping, bleeding, or clotting - STOP- you are doing too much. Remember that you just had a medical procedure, and use common sense.

6.  Post Abortion Exam
An appointment for your post-abortion exam will be made the day of 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. 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.

7. Post Abortion Emotional Health
Your may experience a variety of emotions after an abortion. This is normal. Women often experience feelings such as sadness, happiness, empowerment, anxiety, relief, guilt, and/or grief. There are no “right” or “wrong” emotions. If you are having trouble coping with how you feel, please call us. You may also find support contacting Exhale, a free national talk line that provides emotional support, resources, and information, at 1-866-4-EXHALE or contacting 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 (850) 877-3183 IF YOU HAVE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:

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

• For Chemical Abortion patients
  • Temperature above 100.4 F for more than 4 hours on the day of misoprostol use or any time 24 hours 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.