Learn about the physical and mental effects of abortion, access to healthcare, and the long-term social and economic impacts.
DR Deekshita (Jr)
An abortion is a deeply personal decision, often influenced by health or personal circumstances. Women may experience physical and emotional changes afterwards, which vary from person to person.
This article covers common side effects, potential risks, and the importance of self-care post-abortion, helping you make informed and confident choices.
After an abortion, hormonal changes may cause nausea, dizziness, or general discomfort, but these symptoms typically improve within a few days.
It’s normal to feel scared, but most side effects are temporary. These may include:
Rest, drink water, and use simple pain relievers to feel better and counter the side effects of abortion in the first month.
Bleeding and cramping are normal after an abortion. If you take abortion pills, the second dose will cause your body to bleed and cramp as it clears out the pregnancy tissue. How much you bleed can vary based on how far along you were and how active you are.
Some women might see small blood clots, which can be red or dark purple. Use pads instead of cloth to avoid infections. If you soak more than two pads in two hours or have very painful cramps, please call your doctor for help. Moreover, make sure to be aware of the other side effects of abortion pills for future pregnancy. These side effects could include psychological distress, frequent infections, emotional trauma, etc. Moreover, you can get answers to all your questions during your consultation with the doctor.
Abortion pills can cause short-term side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, which usually subside within a few days. Surgical procedures may also lead to temporary stomach discomfort. Contact your doctor if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Dizziness after an abortion is common and often caused by hormonal changes, blood loss, or the effects of medications. If it persists beyond a week, it may indicate significant blood loss, and you should consult your doctor.
Abortion is a safe procedure when performed by a qualified doctor in a well-equipped medical centre. However, there can be some risks and complications.
The risks to reproductive organs are generally associated with surgical abortions rather than medical abortions. These are:
Uterine Injury: While rare, surgical instruments can sometimes puncture the uterus. If this happens, it is addressed promptly.
Cervical Injury: The cervix may be stretched during the procedure. Multiple procedures could weaken the cervix, potentially leading to complications in future pregnancies, such as an "incompetent" cervix, which may increase the risk of early pregnancy loss.
Sometimes, parts of pregnancy tissue may remain, which can lead to infection, sepsis, continued bleeding, or incomplete abortion. These issues may require a follow-up procedure to ensure complete removal and prevent further health concerns.
Infection is a potential risk after an abortion, mainly if the uterus is not fully cleared or if the sterile environment is compromised during the procedure. Signs of infection include fever, chills, and foul-smelling discharge.
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. With advanced techniques and well-equipped facilities, the risk of infection is minimal; however, although rare, untreated infections can lead to serious complications such as sepsis.
The emotional effects of abortion are just as important as the physical ones. After the procedure, many women experience a mix of feelings which may differ for each person. Some feel relieved, while others might feel sad, guilty, or anxious. It’s essential to recognise these emotions as part of the healing process.
Everyone reacts differently, and there’s no right or wrong way to feel. By talking about your emotions and allowing yourself to feel them, you can begin to find peace and understanding after your experience.
Common Emotional Responses
Emotional responses to abortion can be complicated and personal. Remember that this is an emotional time in your life and you need to allow yourself to feel them. Guilt, shame, sadness and regret are common emotions faced by women after an abortion. Relief at having made the right choice by taking a difficult decision is also something many women feel.
Hormonal changes in your body can also influence your emotions, making it normal to feel differently as time goes on. Understanding that having mixed feelings is common can help you process your experience and find your way through it.
Coping Strategies and Support
Coping with emotions after an abortion can be tough, but you don’t have to face it alone. Support from family, friends, or professional counsellors can be very helpful. Talking to someone you trust about how you feel can help a lot.
Joining support groups or seeking therapy can also provide comfort. Your emotional recovery is just as important as your physical recovery. Taking time for self-care, such as resting and engaging in activities you enjoy, can help you feel better and move forward in a positive way.
Most women recover well after an abortion and feel fine afterwards. However, it is good to think about any possible long-term side effects of abortion. In rare cases, some women may have problems after the procedure. These problems can affect your ability to have children in the future. It’s important to pay attention to how you feel after the abortion.
In most cases, abortion does not hurt your chances of getting pregnant later. Many women have healthy pregnancies after an abortion if they choose to have children. However, some complications can happen, such as infection, recurrence, cervical incompetence, damage to the uterus, etc. though it is rare.
If you have any worries and want to know about the indications and signs of pregnancy after abortion, let your doctor know your concerns. They can tell you when it is safe to try for a baby again and give you tips on having a healthy pregnancy.
Research is still looking into whether abortion is linked to other health issues. So far, there is no clear evidence that abortion increases the risk of conditions like breast cancer or mental health problems.
However, going through an abortion can be stressful. This stress might lead to feelings of anxiety or sadness. It’s vital to check in with yourself and pay attention to your mental health after the procedure. Regularly talking to someone you trust or a mental health professional can help you cope with any feelings you may have.
Taking care of yourself after an abortion is very important for healing. After the procedure, you should see your doctor for follow-up appointments and manage the side effects of abortion [if they exist].
These visits help your doctor check how you are healing and answer any questions you might have. If you are not planning to get pregnant soon, your doctor can also talk to you about birth control options.
Post-abortion care includes resting and eating healthy foods. Drinking enough water is also important. Caring for your body and mind during this time helps you feel better and recover faster. Listen to your body and give yourself time to heal. It’s okay to ask for help if you need it.
Healing from an abortion takes time, and it’s important to be gentle with yourself. Everyone's feelings and experiences are different, and there is no right or wrong way to feel. Allow yourself to feel your emotions, whether it’s sadness, relief, or confusion. It’s okay to have mixed feelings during this time.
Talking to someone you trust can help you process what you are going through. Make sure to rest when you need it. Your body is going through a lot of changes and you may experience some side effects of abortion. With proper care and support, most women heal well after an abortion and continue with their lives.
Out of all the difficult phases that a woman goes through in her life; having an abortion is the most difficult and challenging - emotionally, physically and mentally. Therefore, recovering from an abortion takes time. Give yourself time, listen to your body, rest, eat a balanced meal, have an exercise regime, and reach out for help if and when you need it.
FAQs
After an abortion, common side effects include bleeding, cramping, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Bleeding can last from a few days up to a few weeks and may be heavier than a regular period. Cramping is often similar to menstrual cramps but should gradually decrease. If any side effects of abortion feel too intense or last longer than expected, it’s important to contact your doctor.
Symptoms of pregnancy can typically disappear within a few weeks after an abortion, though individual experiences may vary. Some women may experience spotting or cramping for a short time after the procedure.
If you notice heavy bleeding—soaking through more than two pads in two hours—or if you pass large blood clots, it’s essential to contact your doctor immediately. Heavy bleeding can be a sign of complications that may require medical attention. Always keep track of your symptoms and don’t hesitate to seek help if you feel something is not right.
In most cases, having an abortion does not affect your ability to get pregnant in the future. Most women who have had an abortion go on to have healthy pregnancies if they choose to. However, rare complications, such as injury to the uterus or cervix, can impact fertility. It’s important to discuss your future pregnancy plans with your doctor during follow-up visits.
Coping with emotions after an abortion can be challenging. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions like relief, sadness, or anxiety. Talking to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend or a counsellor, can help. Joining support groups or seeking professional therapy can also be beneficial.
Post-abortion care is essential for a smooth recovery. This includes attending follow-up appointments with your doctor, resting, eating healthy foods, and staying hydrated. Do review with your doctor if you have heavy and continuous bleeding post-abortion. Taking care of your body and mind during this time helps prevent complications and supports your overall health. If you have any concerns about your recovery, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for advice.
