After an abortion, knowing what to expect afterward and how to care for yourself is an important part of your recovery. In this post, you will learn answers to common questions, which symptoms require medical attention, what physical and emotional recovery looks like, and where to find support.
Cramping abdominal pain can last a few hours to a few days. Vaginal bleeding is heavy at first, then becomes lighter. Light bleeding or spotting may continue for a few weeks. Other possible side effects include nausea or vomiting, fever, chills and dizziness. You also might experience a whole range of emotions: relief, sadness, guilt, or anger. All these reactions are normal and understandable. If your feelings start to get in the way of your daily life, it’s important to remember that you are not alone, and help is available. Reach out to a healthcare provider, counselor, or someone you trust for support.
These symptoms require immediate medical attention. You should call 911 or go to your closest emergency department if you experience:
These symptoms are not emergencies, but you should talk to an OBGYN if you experience:
It can feel scary in the moment, but knowing about all your medical history, including an abortion, helps your doctor give you the right care, especially if you’re experiencing pain, bleeding, or fever. Because of privacy laws like HIPPA, doctors are required to keep your medical information private. Doctors cannot report you or share your personal health information without your permission. Hospital emergency departments are also legally required to give you a medical examination and stabilizing treatment and cannot refuse to help you. This means that even in places with abortion restrictions, you won’t get in trouble for seeking medical help. Doctors want to help you, not judge or punish you.
Home pregnancy tests detect the pregnancy hormone hCG in your urine. Your body starts to produce it as soon as the developing baby implants in your uterus, and levels increase rapidly as the pregnancy continues. When a pregnancy ends through abortion or miscarriage, hCG levels decrease slowly, so you may still test positive for 4–6 weeks.
If you are still having symptoms of pregnancy like nausea, or you had no bleeding 24 hours after taking the abortion pill, an OBGYN can do a blood test to see if you are still pregnant.
You should have a period within 4–6 weeks after an abortion. That period could be heavier or look different than usual. It is possible to get pregnant again right way after an abortion, even before your next period. Avoiding sex in the weeks after an abortion prevents pregnancy and reduces your risk of infection.
A follow-up appointment with an OBGYN is recommended, especially after a medication abortion. You should rest, avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for the first few days, and take pain relievers and antibiotics as prescribed.
The cervix (opening to the uterus) can remain slightly open after an abortion, making it easier for bacteria to enter the uterus. Untreated infections can become dangerous and lead to complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can affect your fertility. Follow these tips to reduce your risk of infection:
Healing isn’t just physical. Every woman’s circumstance and experience are unique, and everyone’s healing journey looks different. If you are dealing with complicated emotions or spiritual distress, you don’t have to struggle in secret. There is hope and help!
Savannah Care Center offers free, confidential, and non-judgmental support for women with an abortion in their past, whether it was recently or years ago. You can call us at 912-236-0926 or request an appointment online to speak to one of our client advocates who will walk beside you on your path to healing. Our services are not meant to replace a licensed counselor, but we provide a safe space for you to feel seen, supported, and get connected to resources.
Another option is attending a Rachel’s Vinyard weekend retreat. These are confidential, faith-based group retreats for women seeking caring, non-judgmental spiritual healing and support.
If you’re not quite ready to talk with someone, you can also check out some books we love:
Forgiven and Set Free: A Bible Study for Women Seeking Healing After Abortion
Surrendering the Secret – Bible Study Book: Healing the Heartbreak of Abortion
Surrendering the Secret Devotional: 40 Reflections on Healing after Abortion
Her Choice to Heal: Finding Spiritual and Emotional Peace After Abortion
Sometimes sadness, depression or anxiety can interfere with your daily life. In those cases, talking to a licensed professional therapist or counselor can be a big help. If you are seeking mental health support, there are accessible and affordable resources right here in Savannah.
If you are thinking about hurting yourself, help is available at this free 24 hour helpline. You can call, text or chat with a caring counselor. Los servicios de texto y chat están disponibles en español.
Georgia Crisis and Access Line
1-800-715-4225
This is a 24-hour referral service for people experiencing a mental health crisis. GCAL provides free telephone crisis intervention, mobile crisis teams, help connecting with mental health providers for urgent appointments, and access to state funded providers for non-emergencies.
Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health
The Georgia Fund offers 10 fully funded telehealth therapy sessions with a licensed perinatal mental health specialist to anyone who lives in Georgia and is pregnant, is postpartum up to 2 years, or has experienced a pregnancy loss in the past 2 years. Funding is available to applicants who are uninsured or who have a Medicaid health plan. Applications open on the 1st day of every month at 12pm until full for the month.
HUGS INC. (Heads Up Guidance Services)
Affordable mental health and mentoring services provided by compassionate, professional counselors.
Getting all the facts empowers you to make informed decisions and advocate for your health. Remember that physical, emotional and spiritual recovery is different for everyone, and don’t hesitate to seek help if things are difficult. If you have more questions or need someone to talk to, we invite you to call us at 912-236-0916 or request a free, confidential appointment. Your wellbeing matters to us.
A.D.A.M. Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Johns Creek (GA): Ebix, Inc., A.D.A.M.; c1997-2020. Nail abnormalities; [updated 2023 Jan 01; reviewed 2024 Apr 05; cited 2025 May 15]; [about 2 p.]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000658.htm
Abortion care. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2022, September). https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/induced-abortion
All information shared by you during your relationship with the Center and its representatives will be kept in strictest confidence except as required by law or as required for the protection of yourself or others.
Savannah Care Center does not offer or refer for abortions or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
Our services are not intended to be a substitute for licensed professional counseling or for either routine or emergency medical or prenatal care. Individuals who believe they are experiencing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1 and seek care from the nearest emergency room.
The information provided on this website is for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
