6 things happen after an abortion that no one tells you about

Heavy bleeding after abortion is not always normal. Here are symptoms you need to watch for and seek medical assistance as and when required.

An abortion or medical termination of pregnancy is both physically and mentally traumatic. While time heals the wounds, what follows right after an abortion can be a bit painful to handle. A woman's body goes through a lot of changes after an abortion and some of them can indicate potential dangers like an infection or incomplete abortion. Here are a few things you can expect to happen after a medical termination of pregnancy and know when to call for a doctor.

1. Heavy bleeding

Not all women bleed profusely, but some amount of bleeding, blood clots, brownish discharge after abortion is normal. Some might bleed profusely after an abortion which can go up to three to four weeks. But you need to know when your bleeding is normal and when you require medical intervention. If you are soaking one to two sanitary pads within one to two hours, it is not considered normal bleeding. Additionally, if you are feeling light headed and dizzy and passing large clots, it could be indicative of an internal injury to the uterus during the procedure. This is when you should get in touch with your doctor and seek help. Here are six facts about getting pregnant after an abortion that you should know.

2. Cramp-like pains

Before abortion, the uterus was enlarged, and it gradually returns to its normal size after the abortion, that sometimes causes period like cramps. However, at times, it could be worse than menstrual cramps. Many women complain of increasing cramps on the third or fourth day after the abortion when they pass clots. Popping a prescribed painkiller, drinking warm liquids and using a hot water bag can provide some relief from the cramps. If your cramps don't settle even after these measures, call your doctor and talk about your situation. Passing heavy clots along with unbearable cramps could also indicate an incomplete abortion when some parts of the fetus can remain inside the womb. Here are five causes of miscarriage or spontaneous abortion that you should know about.

3.  Infections

Remember, after an abortion your cervix might remain slightly open for a few days, and this can set a stage for pelvic or urinary tract infection. To avert an infection avoid using tampons, sexual intercourse, vaginal douches, public pools and tub baths. If you still get an infection and the pain becomes excruciating, visit your gynaecologist and get a proper check-up done.  If you develop a uterine infection, it is more likely to occur within two to three days after the procedure. The earlier it is detected, the easier it is to treat with oral antibiotics.

4. Fever

A high-grade fever after abortion is a definite indicator that there is an infection in the body. If the temperature reads 100.4F with tender lower abdomen and abnormal vaginal discharge, it isn't something you should sleep over. Here are seven faqs on induced abortion that you should know about.

5. Persistent pregnancy symptoms

Even after an abortion, some symptoms of pregnancy can still bother you. While nausea is the first to subside within a day or two, tender and leaky breasts can persist for a week. Abdominal bloating also gets worse during the first week and fatigue could be a constant companion for at least a fortnight. These symptoms settle after a week or so, however if it doesn't, your doctor might prescribe supplements to revive your energy level.

6. Depression

Like postpartum depression, one can also suffer from post-abortion syndrome, that can lead to depression and anxiety. The best would be to take adequate rest to help your body cope, so your mind can focus on the present. If depression gets the worse of you, try talking to a counsellor to get over the feelings. Here are15 things that happen to you after your pregnancy that no one warns you about.

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