Aftercare Following Abortion Surgery: Do's and Don'ts
Dr Jen Shek Wei
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
MBBS (Singapore), MMed (O&G) (Singapore), FAMS (Singapore), FRCOG (London)
The care you take after abortion surgery plays an important role in your recovery. Most women recover without significant complications, but following your doctor's advice can help support healing and reduce the risk of infection or other problems.
From knowing which activities to avoid to recognising when symptoms require medical attention, understanding the key do's and don'ts can help support a smoother recovery.
From knowing which activities to avoid to recognising when symptoms require medical attention, understanding the key do's and don'ts can help support a smoother recovery.
What to Expect After Abortion Surgery
Most women are able to return home on the same day after surgical abortion. Mild cramping similar to menstrual pain and light vaginal bleeding are common during the first few days, although everyone's recovery is different.
For early pregnancies, most women recover quickly. For pregnancies beyond 10 weeks, mild bleeding may last longer and some women experience heavier bleeding or stronger cramping between three and seven days after the procedure before symptoms gradually improve.
Pregnancy-related symptoms, such as morning sickness, breast tenderness, dizziness or palpitations, do not disappear immediately. These usually settle over one to two weeks as pregnancy hormone levels decline. Home pregnancy tests may also remain positive for up to two weeks after the procedure.
For early pregnancies, most women recover quickly. For pregnancies beyond 10 weeks, mild bleeding may last longer and some women experience heavier bleeding or stronger cramping between three and seven days after the procedure before symptoms gradually improve.
Pregnancy-related symptoms, such as morning sickness, breast tenderness, dizziness or palpitations, do not disappear immediately. These usually settle over one to two weeks as pregnancy hormone levels decline. Home pregnancy tests may also remain positive for up to two weeks after the procedure.
Do's After Abortion Surgery
Recovering well often comes down to following a few simple aftercare measures. These recommendations can help you care for yourself in the days following the procedure.
Get Plenty of Rest
Plan to rest for the remainder of the day after your procedure. While light daily activities can usually be resumed when you feel comfortable, allow your body time to recover before returning to more strenuous routines.
Take Medication as Prescribed
If your doctor prescribes pain relief or antibiotics, take them according to the instructions provided. Avoid stopping medication early unless advised otherwise.
Attend Your Follow-up Appointment
Your follow-up appointment, which is often scheduled about one week after surgery, allows your doctor to assess your recovery and address any concerns. Even if you feel well, attending this review is an important part of your aftercare.
Use Sanitary Pads
Use sanitary pads instead of tampons while bleeding continues. This makes it easier to monitor the amount of bleeding and may help reduce the risk of infection during healing.
Don'ts After Abortion Surgery
During the early stages of recovery, some activities should be avoided to give your body time to heal. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe to resume your usual routine.
Don't Have Sexual Intercourse Too Soon
The uterus and cervix require time to heal after the procedure. Avoid sexual intercourse until your doctor advises that it is safe, as having sex too early may increase the risk of infection.
Don't Use Tampons or Menstrual Cups
Avoid inserting tampons or menstrual cups until bleeding has completely stopped or your doctor advises otherwise.
Don't Go Swimming or Take Baths
Showers are generally fine, but swimming pools, hot tubs and soaking in baths should be avoided while bleeding continues. These activities may increase the risk of introducing bacteria into the uterus before it has fully healed.
Don't Ignore Concerning Symptoms
Although mild bleeding and cramping are expected, symptoms that become progressively worse should not be ignored. Contact your doctor if you have concerns about your recovery.
When Should You Contact Your Doctor?
Some discomfort during recovery is expected, but certain symptoms should not be ignored.
Seek medical advice if you experience:
Early assessment allows complications such as infection or retained pregnancy tissue to be treated promptly.
Seek medical advice if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding that is significantly heavier than your normal menstrual period
- Severe abdominal pain that does not improve with prescribed pain relief
- Fever that persists or develops after returning home
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Feeling faint, dizzy or generally unwell
Early assessment allows complications such as infection or retained pregnancy tissue to be treated promptly.
Looking After Your Emotional Well-being
Recovery after abortion is not only physical. Some women feel relieved, while others experience a range of emotions during the days or weeks afterwards. There is no single "normal" emotional response.
If you find that your emotions are becoming difficult to manage or are affecting your daily life, speak with your doctor. They can provide reassurance, assess whether additional support is needed and direct you to appropriate services if necessary.
If you find that your emotions are becoming difficult to manage or are affecting your daily life, speak with your doctor. They can provide reassurance, assess whether additional support is needed and direct you to appropriate services if necessary.
Supporting Your Recovery Every Step of the Way
Although most women recover well after surgical abortion, recovery does not always follow the same timeline. Regular follow-up and timely medical advice can help ensure your recovery is progressing as expected and address any concerns along the way.
At the Women's Clinic of Singapore, treatment is guided by Dr Jen Shek Wei, who provides confidential follow-up care and personalised advice after surgical abortion. Schedule a consultation if you have concerns about your recovery or would like further guidance.
At the Women's Clinic of Singapore, treatment is guided by Dr Jen Shek Wei, who provides confidential follow-up care and personalised advice after surgical abortion. Schedule a consultation if you have concerns about your recovery or would like further guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recovery After Abortion Surgery
Is it normal for my bleeding to stop and start again?
Yes. Light bleeding may decrease before becoming slightly heavier again several days later. However, bleeding that is significantly heavier than your normal menstrual period or is accompanied by severe pain should be assessed promptly.
Can I travel after abortion surgery?
Short journeys are usually possible once you feel well enough. However, if you are planning long-distance or overseas travel soon after the procedure, discuss this with your doctor to ensure appropriate follow-up care can still be arranged if needed.
When can I exercise again?
Light walking is usually suitable once you feel comfortable. More strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and high-impact activities should only be resumed when your doctor advises that it is appropriate.
Meet Our Women’s Health Specialist in Singapore
Dr Jen Shek Wei
Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist
Bachelor of Medicine & Surgery (Singapore)
Master of Medicine (OBGYN) (Singapore)
Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
Fellow of the Royal College of OBGYN (London)
Dr Jen Shek Wei is an obstetrician and gynaecologist with over four decades of clinical experience. He graduated from medical school in Singapore in 1979, having earned multiple academic awards, and went on to complete his postgraduate training in both Singapore and the United Kingdom by early 1985. Dr Jen began his specialist career as a consultant at several key institutions, including Kandang Kerbau Hospital, Toa Payoh Hospital, and the National University of Singapore. In 1988 he was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore, in recognition for his medical contributions.
In 1988, Dr Jen set up his private practice and opened clinics in Ang Mo Kio and Tampines to make women’s healthcare more accessible. These clinics have served a large and growing patient base ever since, reflecting his commitment to community-based care. Dr Jen’s patient-first approach has earned him a strong reputation for both clinical excellence and compassionate service.
In 1988, Dr Jen set up his private practice and opened clinics in Ang Mo Kio and Tampines to make women’s healthcare more accessible. These clinics have served a large and growing patient base ever since, reflecting his commitment to community-based care. Dr Jen’s patient-first approach has earned him a strong reputation for both clinical excellence and compassionate service.
In recognition of Dr Jen’s sustained contributions and expertise, he was named a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (London) in 1999—an honour reserved for senior specialists who have demonstrated a significant impact on the field. His credentials reflect both a lifelong dedication to medicine and a deep commitment to advancing women's health in Singapore.
Our Promise To Patients
MOH-Licensed
Abortion Clinic
Appointment
with 24 Hrs
Competitive &
Transparent Pricing
Abortion Pill
& Surgery Available
No Hospitalisation
in Most Cases
Use of
Medisave Allowed
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