Surgical abortion is performed by appropriately licensed physicians to end unwanted pregnancies. Surgical abortions usually are performed as an elective procedure during the first trimester of pregnancy, but may be performed throughout the entire pregnancy in cases of medical emergencies. Several symptoms are common after surgical abortion. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to contact the physician who performed the abortion immediately, because more severe health complications can result if left untreated.
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain and stomach cramping are normal after a surgical abortion. Some women experience little abdominal pain and cramping after surgical abortions, but it can be normal to experience this symptom for up to three weeks after the procedure. This is usually due to the cervix un-dilating. If pain is severe or prolonged, a physician should be consulted promptly because this can indicate internal organ damage from the procedure, infection, or blood clots.
Nausea and Vomiting
After a surgical abortion is completed, the hormones in the body immediately start to diminish. This rapid decrease in pregnancy hormones can wreak havoc on the body. Nausea with or without vomiting is normal for one to three days and is not usually a cause for concern unless vomiting is severe or prolonged, which can result in dangerous dehydration. Additionally, abortion can be very emotionally draining and you may experience mood swings, anxiety, and guilt. These strong emotions can also cause nausea and vomiting that is not associated with the physical side of abortion.
Feeling Faint
Many women feel faint immediately after having a surgical abortion. In large part, this is caused by hormonal changes, but also may be due to emotional responses to the procedure. A physician will require the patient to stay at the abortion clinic for a few hours to monitor her condition before releasing her to go home. If this symptom persists or is severe, however, it could be a sign of excessive blood loss and should be addressed promptly by a medical professional.
Bleeding
The physician will expel all of the products of conception from the uterus during a pregnancy. It is normal, however, for some women to bleed for up to three weeks after the procedure. This should be similar to a normal menstrual flow and should lessen with each passing day. If bleeding continues for longer than the physician recommends or if it's so heavy that it soaks through more than one pad per hour, a doctor should should be consulted promptly because excessive blood loss can result from inadvertent organ damage during the procedure. This damage can be fatal if left untreated.
Infection
Most likely, a physician will prescribe antibiotics to take as a precaution after the procedure, but infection is rare. It is possible, however, to acquire an infection that can cause permanent damage to the reproductive organs or total body sepsis if left untreated. Typical symptoms of an infection after a surgical abortion include a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, excessive pain, and nausea with or without vomiting.
