Recovery after an abortion is different depending on which type of procedure you had.
For most people, physical recovery is manageable, and knowing what’s normal makes it a lot easier to get through.
This guide covers what to expect after either a medical or surgical abortion, what warning signs to watch for, and how Women’s Aid Center supports your abortion aftercare every step of the way.
What to Have at Home During Recovery
Whether you’ve just returned from your appointment or you’re getting ready, having these things on hand makes recovery more comfortable:
- Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin): the most effective over-the-counter option for cramping. Do not use aspirin, which can increase bleeding.
- Maxi pads: heavy or overnight protection. Your provider may ask you to use pads rather than tampons to monitor bleeding.
- A heating pad: helpful for cramping and lower back discomfort.
- Light snacks and fluids: you may feel tired or nauseous, especially after a medication abortion.
- Comfortable, loose clothing.
- Women’s Aid Center’s 24/7 nurse line saved in your phone: (773) 725-4232. If something feels off, reach out to us anytime.
You don’t need anything elaborate. Simple comfort items and a direct line to your care team are what matter most.
After a Medication Abortion: What’s Normal
A medication abortion uses two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end the pregnancy. Most of the physical process happens at home after taking misoprostol.
- Cramping and bleeding typically begin one to four hours after taking misoprostol. The bleeding will be heavier than a normal period.
- It is also normal to pass large clots and tissue during this time; your body is working the way it should. Bleeding usually tapers off after the initial passage, but spotting can continue for up to a few weeks.
- Some people experience fever, chills, nausea, and diarrhea on the day they take misoprostol. This is a normal side effect of the medication, not a sign of a problem.
Most people feel well enough to return to normal activities the following day.
Take ibuprofen for cramping and use a heating pad as needed. Avoid aspirin, which can worsen bleeding.
Your next period will likely return four to eight weeks after the procedure. Many Chicago-area patients are surprised to learn that fertility can return before that first period, meaning pregnancy is possible sooner than expected.
One important note: if you have no bleeding within 24 hours of taking misoprostol, reach out to your local provider right away.
If you’re considering a medication abortion, we’ve created a guide that walks you through how to get the abortion pill in Chicago.
After an In-Clinic (Surgical) Abortion: What’s Normal
An in-clinic abortion uses gentle suction to end the pregnancy.
The procedure itself is quick, but you will spend time recovering at the clinic before going home. This typically involves resting in the recovery area for 30 to 60 minutes while staff monitor your bleeding and vital signs. If you receive sedation, you will need someone to drive you home.
Now if you notice any of these signs, these are all normal after a surgical abortion:
- Cramping after the procedure feels similar to menstrual cramps and usually improves within the first hour.
- Bleeding after an in-clinic procedure is often lighter than after a medication abortion. Many people return to work or school the following day, though heavy lifting and strenuous activity should be avoided for seven to ten days.
- You may not bleed much in the first two to three days. Heavier bleeding can begin three to five days after the procedure as your body continues its recovery. Spotting may come and go for up to four weeks.
Use pads rather than tampons for at least the first week to reduce the risk of infection. Avoid sex during this time as well. Your period should return within four to six weeks.
If abortion is banned in your state, you can still opt for either medical or surgical abortion. Read more about it here.
Warning Signs During Abortion Aftercare
Complications after an abortion are rare. But knowing what to watch for means you can act quickly if something feels off.
Call Women’s Aid Center’s 24/7 nurse line at (773) 725-4232 right away, or go to the nearest emergency room, if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy bleeding: soaking through two or more maxi pads per hour for two or more consecutive hours
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Severe abdominal pain that does not improve with ibuprofen or a heating pad
- Discharge with a foul or unusual odor, which usually means a possible sign of infection
For medication abortions specifically: no bleeding within 24 hours of taking misoprostol is a warning sign that the medication may not have worked. Call your provider. If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing is normal, call the nurse line.
Read more about the difference between a medical and surgical abortion
Taking Care of Yourself Emotionally
There is no single way to feel after an abortion.
Relief is common. So is sadness. Some people feel both at once, or feel nothing much at all.
Whatever you are experiencing is a valid response to a significant event. Most people do well emotionally over time after an abortion, and even previous life experiences have more influence on how someone feels afterward than the procedure itself.
If your emotions feel overwhelming, or if they are getting in the way of daily life for more than a few weeks, reach out. Women’s Aid Center includes emotional counseling as part of your care. You do not have to figure out how you are feeling alone, and you do not have to wait until something feels serious to ask for support.
The All Options Talkline (1-888-493-0092) is also available for anyone who wants to talk about their experience with pregnancy, abortion, parenting, or adoption in a confidential, non-judgmental setting.
Should I Follow Up After a Medical or Surgical Abortion?
A follow-up appointment is not always required after an uncomplicated abortion, but it is always helpful to ensure there are no complications.
Women’s Aid Center includes a two-week follow-up as part of your abortion aftercare in Chicago. This is your chance to confirm recovery is complete, ask any questions, and discuss contraception if you have not already. If you take a home pregnancy test during this time, keep in mind that it can stay positive for four to six weeks due to hormones still leaving your body.
A blood pregnancy test is more reliable for confirming the procedure is complete.
Fertility returns quickly after an abortion, often before your first period. If you want to avoid pregnancy, starting contraception soon is worth discussing with your provider.
Most forms of contraception can begin immediately or very shortly after an abortion. An IUD or implant can be placed at the same appointment as an in-clinic procedure.
Here at Women’s Aid Center, we can help you find the right option. Illinois Medicaid also covers contraception at no cost for eligible patients, and our team is here to walk you through what’s available to you in Chicago.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Good abortion aftercare does not end when your appointment does. Women’s Aid Center’s 24/7 nurse line is available at (773) 725-4232 any time you have a question or concern during your recovery.
If you just recently had an abortion, and need immediate aftercare, you can contact us immediately via our website.
Abortion Recovery & Aftercare FAQs
Clear, compassionate answers to help you navigate your physical and emotional recovery.
Having a few simple comfort items on hand can make your recovery much easier. We recommend:
- Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin): The best option for cramping. Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.
- Maxi pads: Heavy or overnight pads. Please use pads rather than tampons to monitor bleeding and reduce infection risk.
- A heating pad: Excellent for lower back discomfort and cramping.
- Light snacks and fluids: Especially helpful if you feel nauseous after a medication abortion.
- Comfortable, loose clothing.
Most importantly, make sure you have the Women's Aid Center's 24/7 nurse line saved in your phone: (773) 725-4232.
Cramping and bleeding typically begin one to four hours after taking misoprostol. The bleeding will be heavier than a normal period, and it is entirely normal to pass large clots and tissue—this means your body is working the way it should. While bleeding usually tapers off after the initial passage, spotting can continue for a few weeks.
On the day you take misoprostol, it is normal to experience fever, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. These are standard side effects of the medication and are not signs of a problem. However, if you experience no bleeding within 24 hours of taking misoprostol, please reach out to your provider right away.
Cramping after an in-clinic procedure feels similar to menstrual cramps and usually improves within the first hour. Bleeding is often lighter than a medication abortion; you may not bleed much for the first 2–3 days, but heavier bleeding can begin 3–5 days later. Spotting may come and go for up to four weeks. Remember to avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 7–10 days.
Complications are rare, but it's important to know what to watch for. Call our 24/7 nurse line at (773) 725-4232 or go to the nearest ER if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding: Soaking through 2 or more maxi pads per hour for 2 or more consecutive hours.
- Fever: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
- Severe abdominal pain: Pain that does not improve with ibuprofen or a heating pad.
- Unusual discharge: Discharge with a foul odor, which can be a sign of infection.
Yes. There is no single "right" way to feel. Relief, sadness, both at once, or feeling nothing at all are all completely valid responses. If your emotions feel overwhelming or interfere with your daily life, please reach out. Women's Aid Center includes emotional counseling in your care, and the confidential All Options Talkline (1-888-493-0092) is also available for non-judgmental support.
Your period will likely return within 4 to 8 weeks after a medication abortion, or 4 to 6 weeks after a surgical abortion. However, fertility can return before your first period, meaning pregnancy is possible sooner than expected. If you wish to avoid pregnancy, we can discuss starting contraception immediately.
While a follow-up is not always required after an uncomplicated abortion, Women's Aid Center includes a two-week follow-up as part of your aftercare in Chicago. This allows us to confirm your recovery is complete, answer any questions, and arrange contraception (which may be covered at no cost by Illinois Medicaid for eligible patients) if desired.