Aftercare Instructions

WHAT’S NORMAL?
Most of your pregnancy symptoms will go away within a few days, though breast tenderness can take longer. Call us if any nausea continues. If your breast leaks fluid, call us.

You may bleed afterwards (called “cleansing bleeding”), but some women don’t bleed at all. This after-bleeding varies from person to person. It can stop then start again; it can begin days after the procedure, and it usually is brown discharge at the end. Most cleansing bleeding will end by the two-week check up. Your normal menstrual period will start within one to two months after your procedure.

HOW TO PREVENT PROBLEMS:
Be sure to take care of yourself by getting enough rest, food, and comfort. You will usually heal quickly, and should be back to normal by the two-week check up. If you have a job where you stand all day or do any lifting, we can provide you with a medical excuse. This excuse does not disclose confidential medical details.

  • Do not lift anything over 20 lbs. for 2-3 days, and do not lift anything heavier than 50 lbs. until after your two-week check up.
  • Do not work out aerobically or do strenuous work or exercise for two weeks.
  • Limit sexual activity to hugs and kisses for this two-week time period.
  • Use pads, not tampons, for the first week to help prevent infection.
  • Tub baths are fine (unless you were 14 weeks or greater in the pregnancy…then wait one week for a tub bath), but do not share water in a swimming pool or hot tub for the first week. Showers are fine anytime
  • Douching is never recommended as it washes away natural substances that keep the vagina healthy and clean.

PROBLEMS TO CONTACT US ABOUT:

  1. FEVER: Call if you have a fever of 99 or greater. Take your temperature every day. Simple glass thermometers are inexpensive and can be purchased at a pharmacy.
  2. CRAMPS: Mild cramps are normal. You may take over the counter pain medications such as Advil (ibuprofen), Tylenol (acetominophen), or Aleve. If these medications at recommended dosages do not ease the cramps, CALL US. Do not take aspirin because it can make you bleed more
  3. BLEEDING HEAVILY: If you are bleeding heavier than your normal period, or you are changing a pad every hour, or bleeding any amount that concerns you, CALL US.
  4. PASSING LARGE BLOOD CLOTS: Blood can sit in the uterus and may form firm clumps called “clots.” Bad cramps and/or heavier bleeding can accompany the passing of clots as they exit the uterus. CALL US if you are passing clots that are larger than a marble or that cause heavier cramps or bleeding.

Call us at 503-224-3435 (anytime) or 800-742-9202 (work hours).

MEDICATIONS:
Most women do not go home with extra medications. If there is something in your history that requires antibiotic attention, you will probably be sent home with Doxycycline to prevent infection. If you have had two or more previous deliveries (childbirth), or if you were greater than 10 weeks in the pregnancy, you will probably go home with Methergine or Ergonovine Maleate to keep your uterus firm. Methergine and Ergonovine Maleate should not be taken by women who have high blood pressure. If you have questions about this, call us.

PROTECTION FROM PREGNANCY AND SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE:
Condoms and vaginal spermicide, both available at drug stores, if used together can protect you from both pregnancy and diseases like HIV or chlamydia. Ovulation (the time when pregnancy is possible) can occur anytime after the procedure, so protect yourself. If a condom breaks, call the Downtown Women’s Center about the Morning After Pill, which, if taken within 72 hours of the condom breaking, may help prevent pregnancy.

Oral Contraceptives (birth control pills) can be started the first Sunday after the procedure. If you were further than 14 weeks in the pregnancy, you should wait until the 3rd Sunday. The first cycle of pills may NOT protect you, so use condoms and vaginal spermicide. Condoms are needed along with the oral contraceptives to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. The Downtown Women’s Center is usually able to give two cycles of birth control pills and then it is your responsibility to make an appointment with your practitioner for a Pap smear. After your Pap, you will usually receive a prescription for a year’s supply of birth control pills. If you do not know where to go for a Pap smear, please call us and we can help you. A nurse practitioner is available to do Paps at the Downtown Women’s Center also.

If you have any questions about your contraceptive technique, please feel free to call.

PAP SMEAR: You did NOT receive a Pap smear as part of your procedure. Pap smears are done to look for cancer of the cervix, and are very important yearly exams. Most practitioners who do Paps recommend waiting one month after your procedure with us before getting a Pap.

TWO-WEEK CHECK UP: If you do not have a two-week check up appointment, call us. There is no charge for this brief exam.

REMEMBER!
You can call us…24 hours a day…if you have problems. Calling before 9 PM allows us to call in medications to a pharmacy before they close. Call during working hours if you have non-emergency questions.