What Happens After an Abortion?

After obtaining a surgical abortion or taking the abortion pill, many women have questions about their health but do not have a healthcare provider to guide them. There are many different factors in healing after an abortion, both emotional and physical. If you are considering an abortion, you can contact us to speak confidentially to a healthcare provider. The New York Times has recently reported on declining quality of care at Planned Parenthood. The answer to the question, “What happens after an abortion?” is that it is complicated and individual. If you believe yourself to be in danger from improper abortion care, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The closest hospital to PSC is Carroll Hospital. 

Physical Changes After an Abortion

If you have begun taking abortion pills, also known as Plan C, but do not wish to continue the abortion, contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline to learn about your options. Many women want to know how long it takes to “complete” an abortion. How long will you bleed after an abortion? How long will a woman have brown discharge? When will your period return after an abortion? The truth is that the answers vary based on the patient’s physical health and how far along her pregnancy was. There is no one size fits all answer. After an abortion, your period may return as early as 4 weeks or up to 7 or 8 weeks later. It may be irregular, heavier, or lighter than normal. 

After you have taken the medications for Plan C, severe bleeding is considered normal for up to the first 24 hours. If severe bleeding persists after 24 hours, you should go to the hospital. Bleeding is considered severe if the patient needs to use one or more pads/tampons per hour for multiple hours in a row, according to the American College of OBGYNs. If you have taken Plan C and no bleeding has occurred in 48 hours, you should contact us, go to the hospital or contact your provider. Plan C purchased from some overseas suppliers is not FDA approved for safe use. Learn more about the differences between Plan B and Plan C here. 

How Do I Know My Abortion is Complete?

At home pregnancy tests detect levels of hormones in the patient’s urine. These hormones can persist even after an abortion or a miscarriage has completed and the baby has passed away. After an abortion, it is important to see a doctor for medical evaluation. Serious infection can occur if tissue remains in your uterus. 

Emotional Support After an Abortion

Even after physically healing from an abortion, many women still experience emotional pain. Post-abortion trauma can persist for months or even years, but help is available for those who need it. Contact PSC to learn about available resources.