After the procedure — recovery and aftercare

Most women recover quickly and without complications. Here you'll find everything you can expect — and clear signs of when to contact the clinic.

In brief

Rest is advised for the first 24–48 hours
Bleeding for several days to a couple of weeks is normal
Pads for at least 2 weeks; avoid baths and swimming
Your cycle usually returns after 4–6 weeks

Last updated: July 18, 2026

Key aftercare advice

Five rules for the first few days

Rest

Take it easy for the first 24 hours. You can usually go back to work after 1–3 days.

Hygiene

Use sanitary pads — avoid tampons for two weeks. Showers are fine; baths after at least 7 days.

Sex

Hold off on sex for 7–14 days to lower the risk of infection.

Swimming pool and sauna

Avoid for at least a week — the same goes for strenuous exercise.

Pain relief

For pain and cramps use paracetamol only. Avoid ibuprofen and aspirin — they can increase bleeding.

Driving

After sedation you can drive once 24 hours have passed.

Timeline

Recovery — what to expect

24 hoursresting at home

1–3 daysback to work

1–2 weeksfull recovery

4–8 weeksfirst period after the procedure

The recovery room at Stadskliniek Utrecht

A calm rest after the procedure

Before you head home, you rest in a comfortable room under the medical team's eye. You are given tea and something to eat, and a nurse checks how you feel, your blood pressure and your bleeding.

Documentation

Written confirmation of the procedure — always for you

A sealed envelope with your discharge letter in English On discharge, every patient receives a discreet, sealed envelope containing her full medical records — a discharge letter confirming the procedure, with the date, the method used and the clinic's details. It can be issued in English or Dutch; just say which you would prefer. Nothing is posted anywhere: you collect the envelope in person. The clinic also gives out no information about patients over the phone — to anyone, without exception.

Normal symptoms

This is fine

Moderate cramping in the lower abdomenSimilar to period pain; paracetamol helps.

Spotting or bleeding — on and off for up to 14 daysIt can feel like a period.

Passing tiredness and mood swingsThese come from hormonal changes and pass within a few days. See also: how to work through emotions after an abortion.

Warning signs

When to call the clinic

•A fever above 38°C lasting more than 4 hours
•Very heavy bleeding (2 pads an hour)
•Severe pain that paracetamol does not relieve
•Discharge with an unpleasant smell

Contact the clinic: 0031 645 796 364

Outside the coordinator's hours, the clinic runs a 24/7 phone line for urgent medical matters.

More on what is normal and what is not: complications after an abortion.

Common questions

Bleeding, fertility, getting back to normal

How long does bleeding last afterwards?

From a few days to around two weeks, often on and off. If the bleeding is very heavy, contact our coordinator. Use paracetamol only.

Can I get pregnant after the procedure?

Yes — fertility returns very quickly. Ovulation can occur as soon as two weeks afterwards, that is before your first period. We recommend starting contraception straight after the procedure; you can work out the details with the doctor during your visit.

When can I go back to work and exercise?

Back to work usually after 24 hours. Light exercise is fine after a few days; intensive training once you have fully recovered (1–2 weeks).

Am I entitled to a follow-up check?

Yes — a free follow-up check is included for every patient. Always have it about three weeks after the procedure. You can come back to the clinic or, if that is easier, see your own GP at home.

Will I get a document confirming the procedure?

Yes. On discharge you receive a sealed envelope with a discharge letter confirming the procedure — with the date, the method used and the clinic's details. It can be issued in English or Dutch. Nothing is posted anywhere: you collect the envelope in person, and the clinic gives out no information about patients over the phone.

I'm breastfeeding — can I carry on afterwards?

In most cases yes, usually without a break. The medicines used during the procedure are generally not harmful to a breastfed baby — tell the doctor at your initial consultation so they can choose suitable medication.