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Abortion Aftercare |
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This section contains information about your aftercare and what you may experience once you leave the Clinic. If you develop any unexpected symptoms or reactions that you are not sure about, please contact the Clinic and discuss your symptoms with a nurse. You will be given contact information when you leave. You will probably feel fine but try and take things easy at first. Avoid strenuous activity (such as heavy lifting, standing for long periods or vigorous exercise) for 2 weeks. You can have a warm bath or shower as soon as you like. Don't use bath oils, bath salts or bubble bath at first and avoid soaking in a hot bath. BleedingThis varies from slight bleeding on and off to as much as your heaviest period. It may be different from your normal menstrual bleed. A small amount of spotting may continue for up to 3 weeks after a routine termination. It is normal to pass small clots a few days after the operation accompanied by abdominal cramp. If you do need pain relief, take your normal painkillers to relieve any discomfort; do not take more than the recommended dose. Don't use tampons until your next period to reduce the risk of infection. Your next regular bleed will usually start anywhere between the third and eighth week after the operation. If you feel your bleeding is abnormal in any way, please feel free to call us. ContraceptionYou will need to use contraception from the very first time you have sex because you are still fertile and at risk of another pregnancy. It is therefore important that you use reliable contraception. We advise you not to have intercourse until after your post-op check to reduce the risk of infection. If you are on the Pill, you are advised to start the Pill the day after your operation. If you have been prescribed a course of antibiotics, you should continue taking the Pill but use an additional form of contraception, such as a condom, and contact your family planning clinic (FPC) or GP for advice. If you vomit less than 3 hours after taking the Pill, take another one straight away and use a condom if you have sex. Contact your FPC or GP for advice. Breast discomfortYou may find your breasts feel heavy or painful for a few days after the operation; they may leak a little. Don't be tempted to squeeze out the fluid as this will only make things worse. All you need to do is wear a firm bra day and night and take painkillers as before to relieve discomfort. These symptoms will be most noticeable if your pregnancy was over 12 weeks. If your breast soreness lasts for more than 2 weeks, please either contact the Clinic, your GP or your FPC. Morning sicknessIf this has been a problem before the operation it may stop at once. However, some people can experience the symptoms for a bit longer. If you continue to feel sick, please call us. AntibioticsIf prescribed antibiotics (which you start the morning after the procedure) it is important that you take them and finish the course. Whilst taking antibiotics, try and avoid alcohol and antacids for indigestion. Don't take the tablets on an empty stomach and drink plenty of fluids. SmokingIt is advisable to wait as long as possible before having a cigarette. Anaesthetic does not mix well with nicotine and can cause you to pass out. DrivingDriving is not recommended for 48 hours after a general anaesthetic. Post-abortion counsellingHaving an abortion is an important event in your life. If you want to talk about your feelings after the operation, we have counsellors who are available to listen to you. Call the Clinic on 0121 455 7585 to make an appointment. Contact us if you experience any of the following:
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Find Your Nearest Clinic or PAS
Use the drop down boxes below to find your nearest Abortion Clinic or Pregnancy Advisory Service (PAS): |
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| Calthorpe Clinic, 4 Arthur Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2UL | © copyright Calthorpe Clinic 2006 - 2010 | ||||||
