Looking after your physical and emotional wellbeing during recovery may help support healing and improve comfort after treatment. Recovery experiences can vary from person to person, so patients are encouraged to listen to their bodies and rest when needed.

Simple self-care steps that may help during recovery include:

• Getting enough rest

• Drinking water regularly to stay hydrated

• Eating balanced and nutritious meals

• Avoiding physically demanding activities if advised

• Following all healthcare instructions carefully

• Attending recommended follow-up appointments or consultations

Patients who have concerns about their symptoms or recovery should contact the clinic for professional guidance and support.

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Using sanitary pads during recovery may help patients monitor bleeding more easily after treatment.

Bleeding patterns can vary from person to person. Some women may experience light bleeding, while others may have moderate bleeding or pass small blood clots during recovery.

Cramping and bleeding commonly begin within a few hours after treatment, although timing may vary depending on individual circumstances. Bleeding often becomes lighter after the pregnancy tissue passes.

Light bleeding or spotting may continue for up to two weeks for some patients, and occasional spotting may continue until the next menstrual period.

Your next menstrual period will usually return within 4–6 weeks after treatment, although this may vary from person to person.

It is important to remember that bleeding experienced immediately after treatment is part of the recovery process and is not considered a normal menstrual period.

If your period has not returned within several weeks after treatment, taking a pregnancy test may be recommended. Patients with ongoing concerns or a positive pregnancy test should contact the clinic for professional follow-up guidance and support.

Please contact Ladies Choice Clinic for medical guidance if you experience:

• Persistent or worsening pain
• Fever or chills
• Abdominal tenderness
• Unusual or unpleasant-smelling vaginal discharge
• Feeling generally unwell
• Ongoing pregnancy symptoms
• Heavy bleeding that soaks through two large sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours

• Concerns about your recovery or symptoms

Patients who take a pregnancy test several weeks after medical abortion treatment and receive a positive, unclear, or invalid result should also contact the clinic for follow-up guidance.

• Loss of consciousness

• Severe allergic reaction

• Difficulty breathing

• Chest pain

• Signs of stroke such as slurred speech or confusion

• Seizures or fits that do not stop

• Sudden severe weakness or collapse

If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact emergency medical services immediately.

Many patients feel ready to return to normal daily activities within a few days after treatment, although recovery experiences can vary.

Patients are encouraged to rest when needed and gradually return to normal routines at a comfortable pace.

Patients may choose to return to sexual activity once they feel physically and emotionally comfortable during recovery. Recovery times can vary, so it is important to allow the body time to heal and to follow any healthcare guidance provided after treatment.

Pregnancy can occur again soon after abortion treatment, sometimes before the next menstrual period. Patients who do not wish to become pregnant are encouraged to discuss suitable contraception options with a healthcare professional.

Patients may continue normal bathing or showering routines during recovery. However, individuals who have received sedation or general anaesthesia may still feel tired or drowsy for a period of time after treatment.

For safety, patients are encouraged to take extra care during the first 24 hours after sedation or anaesthetic treatment and, where possible, have someone nearby who can assist if needed.

Patients are generally encouraged to rest after treatment and avoid unnecessary travel during the early recovery period where possible.

If travel is necessary soon after treatment, it is important to:

have access to emergency medical services if needed

travel with a responsible adult when possible

monitor symptoms carefully during recovery

Patients using medical abortion treatment may experience cramping and heavier bleeding after taking medication, and these symptoms can sometimes begin while travelling.

Patients who receive sedation or general anaesthesia during surgical treatment should discuss travel plans with the clinic before flying.

Long-distance flights may not be recommended immediately after treatment, particularly within the first 24–48 hours after receiving sedation or anaesthesia.

Patients considering air travel after treatment are generally advised to:

travel only once they feel physically well

avoid flying if experiencing dizziness, nausea, severe pain, or heavy bleeding

travel with a responsible adult when possible

seek medical advice if they have concerns before travelling

How long does bleeding usually last after treatment?

Recovery experiences vary between individuals. Some women may experience light bleeding or spotting for several days, while others may continue to notice light bleeding for a longer period.

When will my next period return?

Many women experience their next menstrual period within 4–6 weeks after treatment, although timing can vary.

Is cramping normal during recovery?

Mild to moderate cramping is commonly experienced during recovery. Symptoms often improve over time as the body heals.

When should I contact the clinic?

Patients should contact the clinic if they experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, unusual discharge, ongoing pregnancy symptoms, or concerns about their recovery.

Can I return to normal activities?

Many patients gradually return to their usual daily activities within a few days, although recovery experiences vary from person to person.