If you are preparing for or currently going through an abortion, it is understandable to wonder what you should avoid. Questions about exercise, sex, alcohol, bathing, medications, work, and everyday activities are common.
Knowing what not to do during an abortion can help you follow your care plan, recognize concerning symptoms, and give your body time to recover.
The most important rule is to follow the specific instructions provided by your abortion clinician or healthcare provider. Recommendations can vary depending on the type of abortion, your health, and whether you received sedation or anesthesia.
What Should You Not Do During an Abortion?
There is no single list of activities that every person must avoid. However, several basic precautions can help you stay safe and comfortable.
1. Do Not Ignore Your Provider’s Instructions
Your healthcare provider’s instructions should be your primary source of aftercare information.
If you were given instructions about medications, physical activity, follow-up care, or symptoms to watch for, follow them carefully.
If something is unclear, contact your provider rather than guessing.
WHO’s abortion-care guidance emphasizes quality, evidence-based abortion care and appropriate clinical support.
2. Do Not Take More Medicine Than Recommended
Do not take more medication than your healthcare provider or the product instructions recommend.
If you need additional pain relief or take other prescription medicines, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether they are appropriate for you.
Avoid adding unfamiliar medicines, supplements, or herbal products without checking first, particularly if you have other health conditions or take regular medication.
3. Do Not Use Unverified Methods
Do not attempt to change, reverse, speed up, or complete an abortion using unverified home remedies, substances, physical force, or other methods that have not been recommended by a qualified healthcare professional.
If you are concerned that your abortion is not progressing as expected, contact your abortion provider.
WHO notes that safe abortion depends on using a method appropriate to the pregnancy duration and having access to accurate information and appropriate care.
What Not to Do During an Abortion With Medication
If you are having a medication abortion, follow the exact instructions provided by your healthcare professional or service.
Do not change the recommended regimen on your own because symptoms seem stronger, weaker, faster, or slower than expected.
Cramping and vaginal bleeding can occur during a medication abortion. Other temporary symptoms can also occur.
If you are concerned about whether the abortion is progressing normally, contact your provider instead of taking additional medication without medical advice.
For more information about medication abortion and recovery, you can read our guide on medication abortion explained.
Do Not Ignore Severe or Worsening Symptoms
One of the most important things not to do during an abortion is ignore symptoms that could indicate a complication.
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
- Severe or worsening abdominal or pelvic pain
- Heavy or concerning bleeding
- Fever or feeling feverish
- Flu-like symptoms
- Unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Persistent dizziness or weakness
- Symptoms suggesting that the pregnancy may still be ongoing
- Any other symptom that concerns you
The NHS advises seeking medical advice when pain or bleeding does not improve within a few days, when pregnancy symptoms continue, or when there are signs of infection.
WHO similarly identifies prolonged heavy bleeding, ongoing pregnancy symptoms, pain not relieved by medication, and fever as reasons to seek follow-up or additional care.
If bleeding is severe or you believe you may be experiencing an emergency, seek urgent medical care.
Do Not Push Yourself Physically
You generally do not need to stay in bed throughout abortion recovery.
However, your body may need time to recover. If an activity makes your pain, bleeding, dizziness, or fatigue worse, stop and rest.
Avoid strenuous physical activity if your healthcare provider has told you to limit it or if you do not feel well enough.
You can gradually return to normal activities as you feel comfortable and according to your provider’s instructions.
Do Not Have Sex If You Are Not Ready
You do not need to have sex during abortion recovery.
If sex is painful, uncomfortable, or you simply do not feel ready, wait.
The NHS advises that people should not have sex until they feel ready after an abortion.
If you have questions about when sexual activity is appropriate for your individual situation, ask your healthcare provider.
Do Not Put Products Inside Your Vagina
Avoid douching or putting soaps, cleansing products, or other unnecessary products inside the vagina.
The vagina naturally cleans itself, and internal cleansing can irritate the area or disrupt normal vaginal bacteria.
If your healthcare provider has given you specific instructions about vaginal care, follow those instructions.
Do Not Take a Bath or Shower If You Feel Unsafe or Light-Headed
Bathing itself is generally allowed after an uncomplicated abortion, but safety comes first.
If you are feeling faint, dizzy, or unsteady, wait until you feel better before getting into a bath or shower.
If you have recently received sedation or anesthesia, follow your provider’s instructions and make sure you have appropriate help while you are still sleepy or unsteady.
You can learn more about bath after abortion and practical bathing precautions during recovery.
Be Careful With Alcohol and Other Substances
If you are taking medication or recovering from sedation or anesthesia, ask your healthcare provider about alcohol and other substances.
Alcohol can also make it harder to judge how you are feeling, particularly if you are already tired, dizzy, or experiencing significant bleeding.
If your provider has given you specific instructions about alcohol, follow those instructions.
Avoid recreational drugs or other substances that could affect your judgment or interact with medications.
Do Not Drive If You Are Drowsy or Impaired
If you received sedation or anesthesia during an in-clinic abortion, do not drive until you have fully recovered and your provider says it is safe.
Sedation can temporarily affect alertness, coordination, and reaction time.
Arrange transportation or have someone available to help you if your clinic instructs you to do so.
The NHS also advises making sure someone is around to help after an anesthetic because you may feel sleepy.
Do Not Assume Every Recovery Is the Same
One person’s recovery may look different from another person’s.
Some people experience mild cramping and bleeding, while others may have stronger symptoms for a period of time.
The type of abortion, pregnancy duration, medications used, and individual health circumstances can all affect recovery.
Do not compare your symptoms too closely with someone else’s experience. If something feels wrong or you are uncertain, contact your healthcare provider.
Do Not Skip Recommended Follow-Up or Pregnancy Testing
Not everyone needs an in-person follow-up appointment after an uncomplicated abortion.
WHO states that routine follow-up is not medically necessary after an uncomplicated medical or surgical abortion, but people should receive information about when additional care is needed.
Your provider may still recommend a specific follow-up method, such as a pregnancy test, phone check-in, or other assessment.
If you were given follow-up instructions, complete them as directed.
You can also read our guide on when to take a pregnancy test after abortion pills.
What Can You Do During Abortion Recovery?
Knowing what you can do can be just as reassuring as knowing what to avoid.
Depending on how you feel and your provider’s instructions, you can generally focus on:
- Resting when you are tired
- Drinking fluids
- Eating when you feel able
- Using recommended pain relief
- Monitoring your bleeding and symptoms
- Taking a shower or bath if you feel well enough and your provider has not advised otherwise
- Returning gradually to normal activities
- Contacting your provider when you have concerns
The goal is not to follow an unnecessarily restrictive routine. It is to listen to your body while following appropriate medical guidance.
When Should You Seek Medical Help?
Knowing the warning signs is an important part of abortion safety.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- Pain is severe, persistent, or getting worse
- Bleeding is unusually heavy or concerning
- You develop a fever or feel feverish
- You develop flu-like symptoms
- You notice unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- You continue to feel pregnant when your provider has advised you to seek assessment
- You have persistent dizziness or weakness
- You are worried that something is not right
Abortion is generally very safe when performed using an appropriate method and with appropriate care, but complications can occur. The NHS lists heavy bleeding, infection, and retained pregnancy tissue among possible complications and advises urgent medical attention for heavy bleeding.
The Bottom Line
When asking what not to do during an abortion, the most important answer is to avoid actions that could interfere with your care or put your safety at risk.
Follow your provider’s instructions, do not take additional medicines without appropriate guidance, avoid unverified methods, and do not ignore severe pain, heavy bleeding, fever, unusual discharge, or other concerning symptoms.
You also do not need to force yourself back into your normal routine immediately. Rest when you need to, return to activities as you feel comfortable, and ask your healthcare provider if you are unsure about a particular activity.
Serenity Choice Health provides women’s healthcare services, including abortion care, women’s primary care, birth control and contraceptive services, and STI and STD testing and treatment. Depending on your needs, care may be available in clinic or through telehealth.
Dr. James Carter is a board-certified physician and lead clinician at Serenity Choice Health, specializing in reproductive health access and medication abortion protocols. With over 20+ years of experience, he combines clinical expertise with patient-centered care to ensure safe, compassionate, and confidential reproductive healthcare.