What are the risks of a surgical abortion?

Surgical abortions provided by licensed clinics such as NUPAS are very safe. As with any medical procedure there are some potential risks. We will talk to you about these possible complications during your consultation.

Serious complications have warning signs. If you have any of the symptoms listed below call our Aftercare Line straight away 0333 016 0400:

• Flu-like symptoms such as a fever, high temperature and feeling shivery 24 hours after your abortion as this could be a sign of infection or sepsis
• Abdominal (tummy) pain or discomfort that is not helped by pain relief medication, or by using a heat pad
• Vaginal discharge that smells unpleasant
• Very heavy bleeding. Soaking through more than 2 heavy-flow sanitary towels an hour for 2 hours in a row
• If you have pregnancy symptoms 2 weeks after the abortion

Call 999 or ask your support person to phone for an ambulance immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Relatives concerned about mental status
• Loss of consciousness
• Acute deterioration in functional ability
• Not passed urine in last 12-18 hours
• Severe allergic reaction such as facial, mouth, throat swelling or breathing difficulties.
• Extreme heavy bleeding (flooding). Soaking through heavy-flow sanitary towels every 5 – 10 minutes and passing blood clots larger than the size of your hand
• Worsening pain in one side of the lower tummy, under the ribs, or up to the shoulders. This might indicate an undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy

Find out more about Surgical Abortion Aftercare.