Understanding Pregnancy Symptoms After a Medical Abortion

Experiencing pregnancy symptoms after a medical abortion can be concerning, especially if you continue to feel nauseous or have breast tenderness in the days or weeks following the procedure. It’s important to understand what is normal, what to expect, and when to seek further medical advice.

Why Do Pregnancy Symptoms Persist?

After a medical abortion, your body takes time to adjust hormonally. The pregnancy hormones (hCG) gradually decline, and during this process, you may continue to experience symptoms that were present before the abortion. The rate at which these hormones decrease varies between individuals, but in most cases, symptoms should improve over time.

Common Post-Abortion Symptoms and Their Timeline

• Nausea and Vomiting – This typically resolves within 48 hours to 7 days after the abortion. If nausea persists beyond a week, it may be due to lingering hormones, but it could also indicate dehydration, stress, or another underlying issue.
• Breast Tenderness – Many people continue to experience sore or swollen breasts for up to 2 weeks post-procedure as hormone levels regulate.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While some ongoing symptoms are expected, you should contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Pregnancy symptoms that persist beyond 14 days (2 weeks) post-abortion without improvement.
• Severe nausea and vomiting preventing you from keeping fluids down.
• A sudden return of pregnancy symptoms after they had subsided.
• Bleeding less than your normal 1st day period in the 24hrs following Step 2 (Misoprostol).

What Can Help with Post-Abortion Symptoms?

• Managing Nausea: Stay hydrated, eat small, frequent meals, and try ginger or vitamin B6 supplements.
• Breast Tenderness Relief: Wear a supportive bra, apply cool compresses, and avoid nipple stimulation.
• Rest and Recovery: Your body is adjusting, so prioritise rest, manage stress, and give yourself time to heal.

Final Reassurance

Lingering pregnancy symptoms do not always mean that the abortion was unsuccessful. Your body needs time to clear the hormones, and most people feel back to normal within two weeks. However, if you have concerns, a follow-up appointment or a home pregnancy test 2-3 weeks post-abortion can provide reassurance. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical support for further evaluation.

The information provided on this website by Aunty Jane in any format or medium, are for general information purposes only and are not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. The information made available by Aunty Jane do not provide personalised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  To the extent permitted by law, Aunty Jane disclaims all liability for any outcomes resulting from reliance on the information provided. For specific medical concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.