Post Procedure Advice:

These notes will give you more information on what to expect after the procedures.

Important:

  • The termination is a very safe procedure and will not affect your future fertility in any physical manner.
  • This is a sterile procedure with a very low risk of infection.
  • We would advise you to try and “take it easy” for a few days after the procedure. Try to structure your day so you can rest if necessary.
  • Please remember to ask for a sick leave note should you require one.
  • Please remember to ask for a specified account if you plan to submit the account to your medical aid.

Infection:

To Lessen the risk of infection please adhere to the following:

  • Do not use tampons until you have had your 2 – 3 week check-up, use sanitary towels instead.
  • You may take a bath or shower as soon as you feel like it. It is preferable to shower.
  • Should you take a bath, use tepid water and do not add any bath oils, salts or disinfectants. This tends to change the pH in the vagina and can cause infection.
  • Do not use a vaginal douche/rinse.
  • Do not have vaginal sexual contact until you have had your check up after two weeks.
  • Drink the antibiotics as prescribed.

Blood loss and first menstruation:

Most patients have very little or no bleeding directly after the procedure. Bleeding usually starts a day or two after the termination but it can vary remarkably. This is not a menstrual period but occurs because of hormonal changes. Your first normal period will be 4 to 8 weeks after your termination.

We find that whatever bleeding you experience, it usually settles or stops after about two weeks. Some patients bleed a lot more than what they are used to.

Don’t worry if this happens – it can still be normal. It is important that the bleeding slows down after a few days. The colour can vary from bright red with many clots, to a slight brownish discharge. This is a hormonal bleed and unpredictable. There is also the possibility that the bleeding will only start in the second week or that you will have no bleeding at all.  During this time you are advised to use sanitary pads only as tampons may cause infection. Your body is going through changes. It is therefore important to eat healthily and regularly. Make sure you take in adequate amounts of fluids. Should you at any stage feel uncertain or concerned do not hesitate to contact us.

Pain:

The discomfort you experience during the procedure should have subsided by the time you leave the clinic. You may experience pain – similar to bad period pain – especially when bleeding starts. If you bleed and pass clots you can experience a great deal of discomfort. This is quite normal. Ordinary painkillers and a hot water bottle should give relief.  As the bleeding decreases the discomfort will subside. Do not take Aspirin (Disprin, Anadin or Grandpa’s) as this has a thinning effect on your blood. The use of Paracetamol has proved to be effective. We often see patients developing signs and symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome after the Procedure – especially if they have suffered from this previously. Symptoms include bad cramping, pain in the sides and bloatedness. The time before an abortion is usually stressful and this causes the flare-up of the bowel problem. This is not clinically related to the abortion and symptoms are usually relieved by eating correctly and taking medication such as Buscopan, Spmasmo-Canulase or Colofac.

Temperature:

The third of fourth day after your termination you may have a slightly raised temperature or feel a little feverish. This is due to hormonal changes and is normal. A temperature of higher than 38.5 for longer than 24 hours especially if accompanied by pain may indicate infection – please contact us immediately.

Sport:

Strenuous exercises too soon after your termination can lead to increased blood loss. Wait until after your check-up before you resume exercise.

Signs of pregnancy:

Due to a drop in hormonal levels pregnancy symptoms start to disappear 2 -3 days after your termination, e.g. morning sickness (within 48 hours), tiredness and moodiness, breast tenderness and breast enlargement. Breast tenderness will be the last to go and can take more than a week. Secretions from your breast can be normal. Do not press on your breast and apply cold cabbage leaves on the breasts to relieve swelling and discomfort if needed. Take Panado for the swelling and limit fluid intake. If it persists for longer than a week after the termination, please contact the clinic. It can also take some time (sometimes 2 -3 months) for your periods to return to a normal cycle.

Note: A urine pregnancy test may be positive for up to four weeks after the termination.

Contraception:

We prefer to give your body a short rest after your treatment. You should start with your contraceptive method directly after your check-up visit. Please discuss this with the clinic staff. Contraceptives will also regulate your menstrual cycle. Remember that you can fall pregnant easily again soon after your termination!

Post Termination counselling:

If you or your partner experience difficulty coming to terms with your pregnancy and decision to terminate, you can discuss your feeling with us. We also offer a counselling service or will refer you to someone in your area. Feel free to contact us at any time to make an appointment for counselling, a referral or just a friendly chat.

Post Procedure check-up:

It is extremely important for you to have a check-up 3 weeks after the termination. If you were less than 6 weeks pregnant there may be a small possibility that your pregnancy has not been terminated successfully. This, as well as other complications should be ruled out during the check-up visit.