After Abortion When is My Next Period?

Abortion is a medical procedure performed to end an early pregnancy. The procedure typically involves using medication or surgery.

According to the World Health Organisations (WHO) recent report, around 73 million individuals undergo abortions annually worldwide. Abortions are widely mistaken for causing health risks in women. Unlike the belief, they are common and safe health procedures to remove the embryo from the uterus when performed by a medical professional.

Abortions can also happen unintentionally, which is medically termed as natural miscarriage or spontaneous abortion. This can happen beyond the person's control.

Women often have this question: "After abortion when is my next period?" Well, the menstrual period in women may generally return anywhere between 4 and 8 weeks after an abortion. Bleeding soon after an abortion is not a period; rather, it is the body's way of expelling the pregnancy tissues.

This blog can tell you everything you need to know about an abortion, including the bleeding patterns and indicators requiring medical attention. So, let's keep reading.

Types Of Abortion and Their Bleeding Patterns

Abortion can be done in two methods, namely medical abortion and surgical abortion. The type of abortion performed may have a significant impact on the bleeding patterns. Here's the detailed breakdown of its differences:

Medical Abortion

This method uses oral medications like mifepristone & misoprostol to terminate the early pregnancy.

• Bleeding Pattern
  Bleeding in a medical abortion is generally heavier than normal for the first few hours. It often involves expelling large blood clots. The pain and cramping in this type of abortion can also be severe, at least for a couple of days. This may gradually lessen as the tissues pass out.
• Timing
  Bleeding may usually begin within 1 to 4 hours after taking the second pill (misoprostol). However, the timing may sometimes take up to 24 to 48 hours.
• Duration
  The bleeding can last for 1-2 weeks, but it's normal to see variations in it ranging from heavy to light bleeding. The spotting can be seen on and off up to 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes even until the start of the next period.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is an in-clinic procedure to terminate the pregnancy through Dilation & Evacuation (D&E) or Vacuum Aspiration (gentle suction). It is generally done with sedation or anaesthesia.

• Bleeding Pattern
  Bleeding in a surgical abortion can typically be shorter and lighter than usual. This is because the procedure has fully removed the uterine lining, leaving less tissue to shed. Some women may not even have any bleeding at all immediately after the procedure.
• Timing
  Bleeding may either begin immediately or a few days later.
• Duration
  The bleeding may usually be lighter than the medical abortion and can last for 1-2 weeks. Though light spotting can be seen on and off up to 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes even until the start of the next period.

Spontaneous Abortion or Natural Miscarriage

Spontaneous abortion is an unexpected pregnancy loss. It is widely known as a miscarriage.

• Bleeding Pattern
  The bleeding is generally heavier with large clots, especially during the first few hours.
• Timing
  The bleeding may usually begin any time after symptoms like intense cramping.
• Duration
  The bleeding in a miscarriage can last for 1-2 weeks, but it's normal to see variations in it ranging from heavy to light bleeding. The spotting can be seen on and off up to 4 to 6 weeks, sometimes even until the start of the next period.

What to Expect After an Abortion?

After an abortion, you may expect:

Bleeding and Discharge

A woman may experience the period like heavy bleeding with large clots soon after inducing an abortion. The bleeding can become lighter within a week. Sometimes, it can last until the next period, which usually happens anywhere between 4 and 8 weeks. However, this pattern can slightly vary based on factors like pregnancy length and hormonal changes. You may expect the bleeding and discharge to decrease as your uterus heals.

Physical Symptoms

A woman may undergo certain physical changes as the uterus shrinks. They may include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, and fever, especially in medication abortions. Women may also experience menstrual-like cramping, which can be stronger and milder. These physical symptoms usually subside within a day or two.

Emotional Response

It is common to have a rollercoaster of emotions after the procedure. You may feel sadness, guilt, grief, and relief – all at once. Do not worry. They are not permanent and can be improved gradually. However, if the depression or sadness persists and interferes with your daily routine, never hesitate to seek medical help.

Contraception

Contraception for women is often recommended immediately after an abortion. This is because the ovulation can usually happen as in the normal cycle, even before the first period. This can increase the chances of another unintended pregnancy. Contraception after abortion is a standard medical care, with options like IUDs, injections, implants, and pills. This helps to reduce repeated pregnancies and allows enough time for improving reproductive health.

Recovery Timeline

Every woman's body recovers differently. While many may adapt to resume their normal activities, others may require some time to recover. However, avoiding lifting heavy and strenuous activities is recommended for a few days. When it comes to complete physical recovery, it may take a few weeks.

Follow-up Appointments

Follow-up appointments after an abortion are crucial to ensure the termination of pregnancy is complete. It also helps to ensure that the uterus is healing properly. Furthermore, remember that 5 weeks after abortion no period is normal. If you do not have a period for more than 8 weeks, discuss it with your healthcare provider.

What You Can Expect in the First Period After an Abortion?

Timing

You can expect your first period after an abortion to return within 4 to 8 weeks.

Period Flow

If an abortion is done using medications, the first period can be longer and heavier than usual. This is because the hormones in the medications may affect the period flow and length as the body's natural hormones return to the normal, pre-pregnancy levels.

On the contrary, if an abortion is done under a surgical procedure, the first period can typically be shorter and lighter than usual. This is because the surgical procedure typically empties the uterine lining, leaving less tissue to shed even in the first subsequent menstruation.

However, the period flow can generally be normalised in about two to three cycles.

Cramps

You may experience usual menstrual-like cramping. It is a common occurrence that might happen as the uterus shrinks.

Irregularity

You can expect your period to be irregular for a couple of months. If you worry 6 weeks after abortion no period, do not panic. It is normal not to have a period for up to 8 weeks after the procedure. If you are still worried, it is recommended to visit a healthcare provider and talk about your delay. Along with it, you may also talk about the pain-relieving options and unusual symptoms, if any.

When to Seek Medical Help?

You may seek immediate medical help when you notice:

• Very intense bleeding. Soaking more than one pad for an hour or two straight.
• Passing very large clots, typically the size of a lemon.
• Signs of infections, such as smelly vaginal discharge and chills.
• Severe pelvic or abdominal pain that does not go away even with medications.
• Continuing to bleed beyond three weeks.
• No signs of period beyond eight weeks after an abortion.
• Though no period after abortion negative pregnancy test is normal due to hormonal adjustments, seek medical help if you are concerned about it.

Summary

It is understandable that undergoing an abortion is an uncertain event. It involves a lot of physical and emotional healing process.

Remember that periods after abortion can exhibit numerous variations in the bleeding patterns, including duration, timing, and the flow. Give your body enough time and seek support after the treatment, if needed.

Above all, talk to your healthcare provider for any guidance.

If you still have any concerns, having a consultation with experts at Aval Clinics is recommended. They can guide you.

Contact us today for expert advice and personalized care:

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