How long will it take me to recover from a medical abortion?

Recovery times after an uncomplicated abortion will be different for every woman, and will depend on how many weeks pregnant (gestation) at which the abortion occurs. Most women will recover quickly, within a few weeks. Most women can return to work after a few days.

We would recommend you delay returning to work until after the medical abortion is complete as you will have cramping and bleeding. This is usually within 1-2 days after taking the second tablets, but occasionally takes up to two weeks.

Bleeding

After a medical abortion, you'll experience bleeding and cramping and you may pass clots. The abortion may take place within four to five hours and is usually completed within one to two days. Very occasionally, it can take up to two weeks to pass the pregnancy. Once the pregnancy has been passed, your bleeding will usually lessen and become like a slightly heavier period. It may continue to be quite heavy for a day or two as the uterus needs to contract and return to its normal size. If heavy bleeding occurs for more than two days, or you are soaking more than two pads per hour for two hours or more, call our Meri Saathi Free helpline for advice on 16600119756 (ntc) or 9801119756 (ncell).

Pain

Most women experience intermittent cramping pain after an abortion. This usually lasts for about a week and can be managed with hot packs, Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. We advise you do not use Aspirin following either medical or surgical abortion as it can increase your bleeding. If painkillers are not helping, then you must contact staff on our Meri Saathi Free Helpline on 16600119756 (ntc) or 9801119756 (ncell).

Our travel guidelines

We recommend that all clients bring a friend or family member with them. It is not compulsory. However - if this isn't possible and your pregnancy is under 18 weeks - it's fine for you to attend and leave the centre by yourself. However, you must not drive yourself home.

Feelings

Following an abortion, it's completely normal to experience a range of feelings such as relief, guilt, regret and sadness. For most women, these feelings fade after a few weeks or months. We recommend that you have someone with you after your abortion to talk to. We offer free, confidential counselling for all women who've had abortion treatment at Marie Stopes, for as many sessions as needed. Find out about our counselling services.

Symptoms to watch out for after a medical abortion

Lasting pain and/or abdominal tenderness not controlled by painkillers

Smelly or discoloured vaginal discharge

Fever

Generally feeling unwell

Continuous heavy bleeding that soaks 2 or more pads in an hour for 2 hours in a row

A positive pregnancy test taken more than 4 weeks after the abortion.

If any of these symptoms occur you should contact our aftercare line immediately on 16600119756 (ntc) or 9801119756 (ncell).

Need to talk about your options?

Our Meri Saathi Free Helpline has trained and skilled counselors on hand 6 days a week to offer expert advice and support – from your initial consultation to treatment aftercare.

Call us now on 16600119756 (ntc) or 9801119756 (ncell)