I addition, the procedure is usually followed by some vaginal bleeding. The woman rests in the recovery room for about 15 to 30 minutes where the nurse will give her antibiotics and birth control, and answer any after-care questions. The laminaria take several hours to expand, so the woman may have these inserted early on the morning of her procedure, or the day before. Because the procedure can be temporarily painful doe to the need to open the cervix wider, the woman may be given pain medication to help her feel more comfortable. After Abortion Abortion is now one of the safest surgical procedure available.
Major problems resulting from abortion are rare.
Following an abortion, regardless of the method used, the woman is monitored for a period of time in the recovery room to see that her blood pressure and heart rate are stable and that bleeding and discomfort are within normal limits. Before she leaves, the recovery room nurse will give her antibiotics and a prescription for Methergine, which she can use if necessary due to heavier bleeding. This follow-up visit is very important to make sure the abortion is complete and to discover and treat any problems that may have developed. If you need further questions answered, please don't hesitate to ask your counselor or a member of the medical staff. Revised with permission by MHCW staff, February 1991.