At Women for Women Kenya, we believe in empowering women with accurate, compassionate information. After an abortion — whether medical (using pills) or surgical — it’s normal to have questions and concerns about what comes next.
Here’s what you can expect, what’s normal, and when to seek help.
1️⃣ Bleeding
- Light bleeding or spotting may last up to 2 weeks after an abortion.
- You may pass small clots, especially in the first few days.
- Bleeding should gradually decrease day by day.
- Some women experience brief episodes of heavier bleeding as the uterus clears itself.
⚠ Call us immediately if you experience:
- Soaking more than 2 maxi pads per hour for 2 hours
- Dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
Large clots (larger than a golf ball) repeatedly.
2️⃣ Cramping
Cramping is common, especially in the first few hours or days.
This happens as the uterus returns to its normal size.
You can manage cramping with:
- Ibuprofen (400–800 mg) every 6–8 hours.
Warm compresses or gentle rest.
3️⃣ Emotions
- It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions — relief, sadness, or anxiety.
- Hormonal shifts can temporarily affect your mood.
- If feelings of sadness or anxiety persist or worsen, talk to us — we offer counseling and support.
4️⃣ Physical Activity
- Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a few days.
- Gentle walking and light activity are usually fine.
- Avoid swimming or baths for a few days to reduce infection risk
5️⃣ Sexual Activity & Vaginal Care
- Avoid vaginal intercourse, tampons, or douching until bleeding completely stops (usually 1–2 weeks).
This helps prevent infection and allows your uterus time to heal.
6️⃣ Fertility After Abortion
- Fertility can return quickly — as soon as 10–14 days after abortion.
- If you’re not ready for another pregnancy, start contraception immediately after the procedure.
- At Women for Women Kenya, we offer counseling on:
- Pills
- Implants
- IUDs
- Injectables
- Condoms
- Pills
7️⃣ Follow-Up Care
- A follow-up visit is strongly recommended:
- Usually 1–2 weeks after the abortion.
- We check that the abortion is complete and that you’re healing well.
Pregnancy tests done too soon may still show positive — we can guide you on the right timing.
8️⃣ When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Heavy bleeding that does not slow down
- High fever (above 38°C)
- Severe or increasing abdominal pain
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Fainting or feeling very weak
❤️ We Are Here for You
At Women for Women Kenya, your health, privacy, and well-being are our top priority. Every woman’s experience is unique, and we are here to support you before, during, and after your abortion.
If you need support, counseling, or medical care, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
