Home instructions

After the surgicalabortion

Content reviewed by Dr. Laporte, Medical Director, Morgentaler Clinic

The Morgentaler Clinic in Montreal is committed to maintaining the highest standards of medical care.

Instructions to follow

Back home

You have been given pain medication that affects your respiratory system and your state of consciousness (unless you have refused the medication).

You may experience the following symptoms when you return home: drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, sweating, dizziness.

For 24 hours, you can't drive and make important decisions.

Avoid taking alcohol or drugs.

Prevention of infection

For 7 days :

No tampons: sanitary pads only.

No sexual relations with penetration.

No vaginal shower.

No swimming in public areas.

For second-trimester abortions (14 weeks or more): shower only.

Contraception

Fertility can be restored as early as 7 days after surgery.

If you wish to avoid pregnancy, you must begin contraception within 5 days of the procedure.

Pregnancy test

It is important to take the pregnancy test given to you 4 weeks after the operation.

What to expect

Bleeding and pain

It's normal to have no bleeding after surgery, just as it's normal to have some. Bleeding varies from person to person, both in duration and quantity.

Cramps are normal, and vary in intensity and duration from person to person.

If you have pain:

Take Ibuprofen 600 mg WITH Acetaminophen 1000mg

Do NOT take aspirin

Apply warm heat to your belly

Get some rest

More information

Between days 4 and 7 following surgery, you may have :

Severe cramps

More abundant bleeding, often accompanied by clots

Temperature up to 38°C for less than 24 hours

Fever and chills

Tender, firmer breasts, sometimes with discharge

Mood swings such as feeling sad or depressed

This is normal, as it rarely lasts more than 24 hours.

Pregnancy symptoms

Nausea/vomiting will disappear within 48 hours of your operation.

Other pregnancy symptoms may take up to 7 days to disappear.

Next menstrual period

Most women will menstruate 4 to 8 weeks after the procedure.

This first period may be unusual; you may experience more cramping and/or bleeding and/or expel clots. This is normal.

Following your abortion, call the clinic if you have any questions about :

Bleeding

A positive pregnancy test 4 weeks after surgery

Your contraception

Concerns

514-844-4844

For urgent matters:

Heavy bleeding (3 or more full towels in 2 hours)

Intense pain not relieved by ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Fever over 38.0°C for 4 hours or more.

Call the clinic at 514-844-4844.
If the clinic is closed and this is an EMERGENCY, call 514-594-2794.

Helpful resources

Last revised: June 2026