Every woman’s body responds differently after having an abortion.
There are a variety of potential physical and mental health effects and complications that you may face, some short-term and others long-lasting.
For the sake of your health and future, it is essential to consider all of the possible health impacts of abortion before choosing to terminate your pregnancy.
If you’re looking for abortion recovery support, we’re here for you. You aren’t alone.
Physical Effects of Abortion
Following a medical abortion, a woman may experience any of the following side effects:
- Vaginal bleeding (this side effect always occurs)
- Abdominal cramping (this side effect always occurs)
- Digestive discomfort
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
If she has a surgical abortion, she’ll also have vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping.
Most often, abortion recovery takes place at home, and for that reason, it is critical to know the signs of complications for the protection of your health.
If you experience any of the following signs of complications after medical abortion, seek medical treatment immediately.
- Heavy bleeding – soaking two pads or more an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
If you experience any of the following signs of complications after surgical abortion, you should also seek immediate help:
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
Remember, your health is the priority. If something feels amiss, receiving medical attention helps you safeguard your well-being.
Mental Health Effects of Abortion
Along with the toll that abortion can have on your physical body, it’s not unusual for an abortion to have an impact on your mental health as well.
While the physical effects often develop within days to weeks after the abortion, the mental health effects can occur up to years after the abortion.
Many women experience sadness and feelings of loss, but if those feelings linger and are not addressed, they can develop into more long-lasting mental health issues that can include:
- Major depression
- Anxiety
- Nervous disorders
- Sleep disturbance
- Substance abuse
Healing isn’t linear. Recovering from an abortion can be difficult, but it isn’t impossible. With the proper support and resources, you can move forward.
Get the Help You Deserve
Whether you’re pregnant and considering abortion or have already had an abortion, we’re here to help.
New Life Clinic offers free and confidential pregnancy services and post-abortion support.
Knowing all you can about your pregnancy before making a decision is important to protect your health. If you’re pregnant and need more information before making a decision, we can provide a lab-quality pregnancy test and follow-up ultrasound. Our trusted staff can also discuss your options and answer any questions you may have.
If you’ve already had an abortion, know that you are not alone. We offer individual support and recovery groups that are completely confidential.
Contact us today to get the support you deserve.