Complications after an abortion — what is normal, and when to seek help

An abortion carried out to medical standards is one of the safest procedures in medicine — serious complications are rare. Here we explain which symptoms afterwards are normal, and when you should contact a doctor without delay.

In brief

Under 1% serious complications
Bleeding and cramps for several days to a couple of weeks is normal
Fever above 38°C or severe pain — contact the clinic without delay
Free follow-up check included in the price

Last updated: July 18, 2026

Call us — we speak English See: after the procedure

Safety

Abortion is one of the safest medical procedures there is

Figures confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the medical literature.

When an abortion is carried out to WHO standards — by qualified medical staff, using a method suited to the stage of pregnancy — the risk of serious complications is minimal. With early abortion pills used up to 9 weeks, effectiveness is 99.6% and the risk of serious complications 0.4%. With instrumental procedures (aspiration, D&E), serious complications occur in fewer than 1% of cases. Mortality with legal, safe abortion is negligible — below 0.001%.

Recovery

What is normal after the procedure

Bleeding for up to about 2 weeksUsually lighter than a period, easing off gradually.

Cramps similar to period painStrongest in the first few days, eased by pain relief.

A slightly raised temperature on the first dayTiredness and mood swings are common too.

A full account of recovery and aftercare: after the procedure.

Warning signs

When to contact a doctor without delay

Heavy bleedingSoaking through a pad within an hour, keeping up for 2 hours or more.

A fever above 38°CLasting more than 24 hours, or appearing a few days after the procedure.

Severe, worsening abdominal painEspecially if pain relief does not help.

Discharge with an unpleasant smellThis may point to an infection needing antibiotic treatment.

Prolonged bleeding and painThese may indicate that the uterus was not fully emptied, which sometimes calls for a further check or a follow-up procedure.

A very rare complication is perforation of the uterus — it mainly concerns procedures later in pregnancy and is recognised and treated immediately at the clinic, under the supervision of an anaesthetist and an experienced team.

A quick overview

Normal or a warning sign?

Symptom	Normal	Warning sign
Bleeding	Up to about 2 weeks, lighter than a period	Soaking a pad within an hour, for 2 h or more
Pain / cramps	Similar to period pain	Worsening, not eased by medication
Temperature	Slightly raised on the first day	Above 38°C, for more than 24 hours
Discharge	No unpleasant smell	An unpleasant smell — possible infection

Already back home?

What to do if worrying symptoms appear after you get back

Call our clinic — we can advise you over the phone. In an emergency, go to your GP or the nearest A&E without waiting. On discharge you receive an envelope with an information card in English — showing it to a local doctor makes it far easier for them to assess the situation quickly and accurately.

Our standard

How we keep the risk to a minimum

Every procedure is preceded by a fresh ultrasound. An anaesthetist is present on site for every instrumental procedure. The clinic has been running since 1970 — over 55 years of experience in carrying out terminations safely.

FAQ

Questions about complications after an abortion

Are complications after an abortion common?

No. When the procedure is carried out to medical standards, serious complications affect fewer than 1% of patients (0.4% with pills up to 9 weeks). It is one of the safest procedures in medicine.

What if the bleeding doesn't stop once I'm home?

Call our clinic — we can tell you whether it is still within the normal range or whether you should see a doctor. With heavy bleeding (soaking a pad every hour for 2+ hours), go to a doctor or A&E straight away.

Can I go to a doctor at home with a problem after a procedure in the Netherlands?

Yes. The information card you receive on discharge — available in English or Dutch — lets a doctor quickly understand how the procedure went and start the right treatment.

Is a fever after the procedure always cause for concern?

A slightly raised temperature on the first day is common and usually harmless. A fever above 38°C lasting more than 24 hours, or appearing a few days after the procedure, does call for a doctor — it may point to an infection.