Should I rest in bed after my abortion?

No. After an abortion, many people think recovery means staying in bed and resting as much as possible. While it is sometimes important to listen to your body, activity is one of the best ways to support healing.

Your Body Heals Better When You Move

During the first two weeks after an abortion, light activity helps keep your blood flowing, your muscles working, your uterus emptying and your energy levels up. Walking can also help reduce stiffness, improve mood, and support your overall recovery. At CWC, our experience is that most calls from patients concerned about their pain being too intense is treated with increasing their activity level and allowing the uterus to empty itself from the built-up blood clots it acquired during too much rest. In our clinical experience, patients who stay active and walk regularly often pass blood and clots more easily. This may help reduce cramping and discomfort and may decrease the likelihood that blood collects inside the uterus. Many patients report

feeling better after a sustained walk when they are experiencing cramping or clotting.

Most people can begin gentle walking right after their procedure. Even short walks around your home or neighbourhood are be helpful.

Make Walking Part of Your Daily Routine

We encourage patients to spend as much time as possible moving around during the day and not remaining in bed.

Try to:

• Get up and walk regularly throughout the day

• Avoid spending long periods lying down during daytime hours

• Take short walks after meals

• Gradually increase your walking as you feel stronger

A good goal is to complete a sustained one-hour walk each day. If one hour at a time feels difficult at first, you can build up gradually and take breaks as needed.

Benefits of Walking After an Abortion

Regular walking may help:

• Improve blood circulation

• Allowing the uterus to be as empty of clots as possible• Reduce feelings of fatigue

• Prevent muscle weakness and stiffness

• Support healthy bowel function

• Improve mood and emotional well-being

• Help you return to your normal daily activities

Remember that recovery looks different for everyone. Some days you may feel more energetic than others.

Listen to Your Body

While activity is important, it is also important not to push yourself too hard.

If you feel dizzy, lightheaded or have a sustained increased in your pain or bleeding, slow down and lighten the activity level. Recovery is about finding a healthy balance between movement and rest.

Don't Overdo It

For the first two weeks after your abortion, avoid activities that put too much strain on your body.

We recommend:

• Do not lift anything heavier than 5 kilograms (11 pounds)

• Avoid strenuous exercise

• Avoid long-distance jogging or running

• Avoid high-intensity workouts or hot yoga

• Avoid heavy weightlifting

• Avoid activities that leave you feeling exhausted

Gentle walking is encouraged, but intense exercise should wait until your body has had time to heal (approximately 2 weeks after your procedure, when bleeding and pain should be down to a mild level only).

The Bottom Line

The first two weeks after an abortion are an important time for recovery. Gentle movement and daily walking can help support healing and help you feel better physically and emotionally. Aim to stay active throughout the day, work toward a daily one-hour walk, and avoid heavy lifting or

strenuous exercise while your body recovers. If you have questions about your recovery or are unsure whether an activity is safe, contact your healthcare provider.