…to enable choice
…to ensure rights
…to increase skills
…with compassion and care
Most women recover quickly after an abortion. However if you have any concerns please call our aftercare line which is available 24 hours a day, including weekends and bank holidays.
The amount and type of bleeding can vary for each person and each abortion. It is normal to experience light, moderate, or heavy bleeding during a medical abortion. Not everyone will pass blood clots during a medical abortion, but for those who do, the clots should be no larger than a lemon. It is NOT normal to have no bleeding/scant bleeding or flooding therefore you should telephone the Aftercare Line on 0333 016 0400 for advice if:
Call 999 if you experience extremely heavy bleeding (see Flooding image 5) and feel unwell
Expect to bleed like a normal menstrual period, and you may pass small blood clots. Bleeding usually stops after 1-2 weeks, but some women spot until their next period. Sometimes you may have a short episode of pain, with a gush of blood or a clot several weeks after the abortion – contact us if this continues. A few women don’t bleed until their next period is due – and that is normal too.
Call the Aftercare Line on 0333 016 0400 if you soak 2 or more maxi-size sanitary towels per hour, for 2 hours in a row (see image 5 flooding above).
In the case of EMA, most clients will pass their pregnancy within 24 hours of taking the medication but each client responds differently. However, if you have only experienced light bleeding or no bleeding at all or have not passed any clots (about 50p coin in size or larger) within 7 days of the second part of treatment or are concerned that treatment has failed, please contact the Aftercare Line.
You will experience pain, cramping and bleeding similar to a heavy period. This is how the pregnancy is expelled. It is important you have pain medication at home. You will be given some medication to take home from the clinic, but we advise you have some paracetamol and Ibuprofen available. Depending on your medical history and potential allergies, the nurse/midwife will have discussed the best options with you and your first treatment.
Examples of pain medication are:
∙ As your pain starts take Ibuprofen for mild pain – 2x200mgs – these can be taken every 4–6 hours (MAXIMUM 6 TABLETS IN 24 HOURS).
∙ 1x30mg Codeine Phosphate every 6–8 hours
∙ Use a hot water bottle (as per manufacturer’s instructions) as heat can also help alleviate pain.
Please note:
∙ A minimum of 4 hours must elapse between each dose of painkillers.
∙ Do not drive or operate machinery when taking Codeine.
Sometimes a small amount of tissue is retained (does not come out with the pregnancy) and may become infected. Serious complications have warning signs. If you experience any of the symptoms below call the Aftercare Helpline on 0333 016 0400 straight away:
You must repeat a pregnancy test in 3 weeks to ensure the treatment has been successful. It the pregnancy test is positive, please contact the clinic for further advice
If you have had a general anaesthetic or conscious sedation you must not drive for at least 48 hours. Please check with your insurance company. If you are involved in an accident you may not be covered by your insurance
After an abortion most women feel relieved, but some also feel sad or guilty. Occasionally, although you feel well physically, perhaps it’s a bit of a struggle emotionally. If you need to talk we can provide post-abortion counselling through talking therapy. This is a free service for women who have had treatment at NUPAS. Call us on 0333 016 0400 to arrange post abortion counselling.
For more information please see our abortion guide.
