Post-Medication Abortion: When to Start Supplements and Nutrition?

How long after a medical abortion should one start taking nutritional supplements or dietary supplements?

Hello Doctor: I took the first medication for a medical abortion on February 3rd, and on the morning of February 5th, I took three doses of prostaglandin along with pain and anti-nausea medication.
After about 15 minutes, I experienced severe pain and ended up vomiting a liquid with a medication taste.
Approximately half an hour later, I passed a very large blood clot.
Concerned that vomiting the medication in the morning might affect its efficacy, I returned for an ultrasound in the afternoon.
The doctor confirmed that the gestational sac had been expelled and advised me to return in two weeks to check if everything had cleared out.
I have a few questions for the doctor: 1.
Can I start taking nutritional supplements now (iron, B vitamins, fish oil, evening primrose oil)? 2.
What dietary or other measures can I take to ensure that the blood is expelled more completely? Can I soak my feet to improve blood circulation? 3.
How long should I wait before I can start drinking chicken essence to nourish my body? Should I wait until the two-week follow-up?

Quan Quan, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/06

Dr. Lü Lizheng reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

A normal diet is sufficient; however, you can increase your intake of iron-rich foods that are beneficial for blood replenishment, such as lean meats, pork liver, and spinach.
If you wish to consume traditional Chinese medicine, please first schedule an appointment with a licensed TCM practitioner.
After the consultation, the practitioner will prescribe herbal medicine based on your constitution and condition.
It is not recommended to purchase nutritional supplements on your own, as many of them may contain pharmaceutical ingredients.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lu Li-Cheng, Taoyuan Hospital.

Reply Date: 2016/02/06

More Info

After a medical abortion, it is essential to prioritize your health and recovery. Here are the answers to your questions based on medical knowledge and practices:
1. Starting Nutritional Supplements: Yes, you can start taking nutritional supplements such as iron, B vitamins, fish oil, and evening primrose oil after your abortion. Iron is particularly important as it helps replenish the blood lost during the process. B vitamins can support your overall health and energy levels, while fish oil may help reduce inflammation. However, it is advisable to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements to ensure they are appropriate for your specific situation.

2. Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations: To promote a healthy recovery and ensure that your body expels any remaining tissue effectively, focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Foods high in fiber can help with digestion and overall health. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as it aids in the healing process. As for increasing blood circulation, gentle activities like walking can be beneficial. However, be cautious with activities like soaking your feet in hot water, as it may not be advisable immediately after an abortion. Always listen to your body and avoid strenuous activities until you feel ready.

3. When to Start Consuming Chicken Essence: You can generally start consuming chicken essence or similar nourishing broths to support your recovery after a medical abortion. While some may choose to wait until after their follow-up appointment in two weeks, others may start sooner if they feel up to it. The key is to listen to your body and ensure that you are feeling stable and ready to introduce these nourishing foods. If you have any concerns about your recovery or dietary choices, it’s best to discuss them with your healthcare provider during your follow-up visit.

In summary, after a medical abortion, it is important to focus on your recovery through proper nutrition and self-care. Starting supplements like iron and B vitamins can be beneficial, and maintaining a healthy diet will support your overall well-being. Gentle activities to promote circulation are encouraged, but always prioritize your comfort and health. If you have any lingering concerns or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.

Similar Q&A

Post-Abortion Care: Best Foods to Support Recovery After Medication Abortion

I accidentally got my girlfriend pregnant. We discussed and decided to terminate the pregnancy. After taking the medication, she took uterotonics three days later to expel the pregnancy. What can I buy for her to eat during these days? Can she continue to eat her usual foods? I h...

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
I accidentally got my girlfriend pregnant. We decided to terminate the pregnancy, and after taking the medication, she took uterotonics three days later to expel it. What can I buy for her to eat during these days? Can she continue to eat the same foods as usual? I hope she can r...

Understanding Medication Abortion: What to Expect and When to Seek Help

Hello Doctor: I have given birth to three children. On December 26, 2015, I was four weeks pregnant and underwent a medical abortion. I took RU486 at a qualified clinic but experienced no reaction or bleeding. After 36 hours, I took the second dose of four pills at home on the ev...

Dr. Lin Manying reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
In a typical medical abortion, the bleeding duration is approximately 7-14 days. It is normal to still have bleeding from December 28 to January 9. It is recommended to rest more and supplement with iron until your follow-up appointment. Trust your physician; if there is an incom...

Post-Abortion Medications: Ingredients and Testing Considerations

Hello, doctor. What are the components of the medication taken after a surgical abortion? If a health check-up including blood and urine tests is conducted after taking the medication, will there be any related reactions? If one wants to avoid any relevant information appearing i...

Dr. Liao Huiling reply Pharmacology
Hello! Regarding your question about "what medications are used after a surgical abortion," it can only be speculated that they may include uterotonics. However, to know the specific medications and their components, please consult the prescribing physician to avoid any...

Managing Post-Medication Abortion Recovery: Key Considerations

I received my first dose on June 15 and took a suppository on the 17th. A few minutes after the suppository, I started experiencing abdominal pain and had to go to the bathroom about six times with diarrhea. I began to pass blood around noon, and by 2 PM, I noticed large blood cl...

Dr. Zhang Kunmin reply Obstetrics and Gynecology
Hello, the patient should return for a follow-up appointment 36 to 48 hours after taking the abortion medication. After taking the prostaglandin medication during the follow-up, the patient can go home. If there are any discomforts, hospitalization for observation may be necessar...