What Physical and Emotional Symptoms Can Happen After an Abortion?

After an abortion, it is common to experience uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms, and both should lighten as days go by. For a day or two after a medication abortion (when you take abortion pills) or an in-clinic abortion (also known as surgical abortion), you will likely feel tired, experience cramping and bleeding or discharge, may have tender breasts that could leak, and could feel nausea, fever or chills. Most people are able to return to their usual level of activity the next day. If you have a Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) procedure, you may require a little more downtime. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for recovery and take any medication as prescribed to help manage side effects.

After any abortion, if nausea, diarrhea or vomiting persists for over 24 hours, you should seek medical attention as it may mean you have an infection. After an in-clinic abortion, if you have cramping or pain that doesn’t improve with pain medication, are soaking two maxi pads per hour for two or more hours, or have a fever over 100.4 degrees, you should contact your doctor.

In addition to physical symptoms, it’s normal to experience a range of emotional effects after an abortion. These can include feelings of sadness, guilt, relief, grief and even numbness. Everyone’s experience with abortion is unique and there is no right or wrong way to feel afterwards. It’s important to give yourself the time and space to recover emotionally — engaging with your feelings, even if uncomfortable, can help you process the experience. You can do this on your own by journaling, or seeking support from friends, family, professionals, calling or texting a free, nonjudgmental support line, or checking online resources.

If you have concerns or are experiencing persistent or debilitating physical or emotional effects, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider. Remember, be kind to yourself and give yourself time to heal both physically and emotionally after an abortion.

Sources

“What can I expect after I take the abortion pill?”. Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/the-abortion-pill/what-can-i-expect-after-i-take-the-abortion-pill 

“What can I expect after having an in-clinic abortion?” Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/abortion/in-clinic-abortion-procedures/what-can-i-expect-after-having-an-in-clinic-abortion 

“How to Recover Emotionally After Abortion”. Waterleaf Women’s Center. https://waterleafwc.org/how-to-recover-emotionally-after-abortion/ 

“All-Options Talkline”. All-Options. https://www.all-options.org/find-support/talkline/ 

“After-Abortion Textline”. Exhale Pro-Voice. https://exhaleprovoice.org/after-abortion-textline/ 

“Support After a Miscarriage or Abortion”. Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-orange-san-bernardino/patients/miscarriage-support