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- 541 Govan Mbeki Street, Gqeberha
- info@gqeberhawomenclinic.co.za
Abortion Aftercare
After an abortion, it’s a good idea to take it easy and rest for a few days. The majority of individuals heal quickly and easily, however you can phone our patient support line if you have any concerns. Weekends and bank holidays are not an issue for our nurse/midwife-led support line, which is open twenty-four hours a day. We are available to you at all times.
Each person and abortion may experience different levels of bleeding. Wearing sanitary towels that are appropriate for a large flow is crucial if you want to monitor your bleeding. Below are some illustrations to help you understand the type of bleeding that is typical for both medicinal and surgical abortions. Contact our Aftercare Line if you ever doubt whether what you are going through is typical.
During a medical abortion, you will experience brief, sometimes intense cramping and discomfort. Following a surgical abortion, you could have some pain and cramping. These cramps could be mistaken for menstrual pain. Your back, thighs, and tops of your legs may also experience pain.
There are warning indications for serious complications. Call our Patient Support Line right immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they may indicate an infection or complication, though they are not always the case:
- Following an abortion, flu-like symptoms such a fever, elevated temperature, and a shaky feeling could indicate sepsis or an infection.
- Discomfort or soreness in the abdomen (tummy) that does not go away with painkillers or applying a heating pad.
- Vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant.
- Really severe bleeding. spending two consecutive hours soaking through more than two heavy-flow sanitary towels per hour.
- 48 hours after taking tablets, there should be no bleeding during a medical abortion, or there should be only spotting or minimal bleeding.
- if, two weeks following the abortion, you experience pregnancy symptoms.
The following symptoms point to sepsis and the need for immediate medical attention:
- Light headedness or dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, a general feeling of weakness, confusion, and fainting are all symptoms of low blood pressure.
- Elevated heart rate when not engaging in exercise.
- Elevated respiratory rate in the absence of physical activity.
After Your Abortion
It can take a week or so for symptoms to go away if you had nausea, vomiting, or sore breasts prior to your abortion. After an abortion, your breasts may feel sensitive and leak if you were pregnant for 12 weeks or longer. Breast tenderness can be reduced by applying a cold pack and taking painkillers.
If you have any concerns or if your pregnancy symptoms persist for more than two weeks, give our Patient Support Line a call.
A pregnancy test must be taken three weeks following your medical abortion. This is to confirm that the treatment has been effective. A pregnancy test will be included in your Aftercare Pack. Since the test we provide is different from the ones you may get at stores, please use it. When to take the test will be communicated to you. For more guidance, please give us a call if the test results are positive.
Unless you feel ill or have a positive pregnancy test after three weeks, we no longer recommend that clients get a standard checkup after an abortion.
What Can I Do Following an Abortion?
You can often resume your regular activities as soon as you feel comfortable after your abortion is over. See below for further details on particular activities.
You must refrain from driving for at least 48 hours following a surgical abortion that involved conscious sedation or a general anesthetic. Your insurance may not cover you if you are in an accident after receiving anesthesia. For information regarding driving following an anesthetic, please contact your auto insurance provider.
After an abortion, you can take a shower or bath if you’re feeling good and not dizzy. If you start feeling dizzy, it’s a good idea to have someone else in the house with you. Please refrain from using soaps or washes inside your vagina as it is self-cleaning. Utilizing these products may make infection more likely.
To keep an eye on your bleeding, we advise using sanitary towels until the bleeding has ceased. Additionally, sanitized towels lower the chance of illness. As soon as you feel comfortable doing so, you can resume using menstrual cups and tampons.
You can often resume your regular activities as soon as you feel comfortable doing so, even though it’s crucial to pay attention to your body and just exercise as much as you feel comfortable.
Although it’s crucial to pay attention to your body and seek assistance when necessary, you may typically resume activities like heavy lifting as soon as you feel safe doing so. Your bleeding may occasionally get a bit thicker while you exercise. This is normal; you shouldn’t be concerned as long as it’s not excessive.
As soon as you’re ready, you can have sex. Soon after an abortion, your fertility returns to normal. It is crucial to utilize contraception if you do not wish to become pregnant again. Learn more about contraception after an abortion here.
After an abortion, it is advised to avoid long-distance travel for 24 hours. Have an adult companion with you if you must travel.
Three weeks following your abortion, we advise against taking a vacation unless you have received a negative pregnancy test. In order for travel insurance providers to cover any linked medical difficulties while you are gone, they may need to know about recent abortion procedure.
Taking prescription abortion medications outside of the country is prohibited. This is due to the fact that abortion regulations vary from one country to another.
Your Mental Health
It’s common to have a wide range of emotions following a TOP. While some women may experience relief, others may experience sadness, remorse, and distress. After a few weeks, most women will feel better. Please call our patient support line if you are having difficulties and need assistance. Our clinicians may speak with you and, if you would like, schedule an appointment with one of our counselors who specialize in abortion counseling before and after treatment.
If you are experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts, immediately call 999 or go to the emergency room.
Get in touch with Gqeberha Women Clinic
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Abortion care at Gqeberha Women Clinic
All women in the Eastern Cape can receive abortion services at the Gqeberha Women Clinic. As the top abortion care charity in South Africa, we have over 20 years of experience providing safe, private, and excellent abortion care.