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Carolina Center for Women 421 N. Wendover Road Charlotte, NC 28211 704-367-2255 1-800-637-3445 Carolina Center for Women

POSSIBLE AFTER EFFECTS

Fever: Infection is the most common complication following this procedure and fever is usually the first sign of infection. If your temperature goes above 101 degrees, you should take a Tylenol and contact the clinic. Severe or persistent abdominal pain or urinary discomfort may also be signs of infection.

Yeast Infections: These are common due to the antibiotics you have been given. You can not use Monistat or any other product internally. However, if you have external itching you can use hydrocortisone or any other anti-itch medication.

Tender Breasts: Breast soreness and tenderness are normal for the first few days after the procedure. You will probably be more comfortable in a tight fitting bra. If discomfort is severe, ice packs may bring you some relief.

Morning Sickness: Usually the effects of nausea will subside in a week's time. Saltine crackers and Ginger-Ale are helpful in reducing the effects of nausea. Vitamin B-6 can also be taken to reduce morning sickness.

GETTING BACK TO NORMAL

Menstruation: You can get pregnant even though you have not yet had a normal menstrual period. If you started on birth control pills the Sunday following your abortion, you should have a normal menstrual period following your first packet of pills. Your period may be a little heavier than usual during the first three months following the procedure. You can expect a period within 4-8 weeks.

Sexual Relations: It is very important that you do not have intercourse until after you have had your 3-week check up. Having intercourse can cause damage to the unhealed area and increase your risk of infection. This is also one of the easiest times to get pregnant, s0 intercourse should be avoided.

Bathing and Personal Hygiene: You may take a shower as goon as you like after your procedure, do not take any tub baths. You will need to use pads if you have any bleeding, tampons are not to be used. You should not swim, soak in a hot tub or douche due to these activities causing an increase in infections.

Activities: You can return to normal activities, such as going back to work, school or housekeeping, tomorrow, or as soon as you feel like it. Driving a car is fine as long as you don't feel weak or dizzy. You should not do any heavy lifting over 15 pounds for the next 3 days, and no strenuous activity for the next three weeks.

Diet: You are not restricted to a certain diet. We do advise that you do not drink any alcoholic beverages while you are bleeding, because this will increase the amount that you bleed.

Follow- up Visit: It is very important for you to have a check-up with a doctor three weeks after your procedure. At this time a pregnancy test has to be done and also a pelvic exam. This is to be sure your hormone levels have returned to normal and there are no signs of infection. If you return to our clinic the charge is $40 for exam and $65 for exam and pap smear.

Birth-Control Pills: You may be given birth control pills after your procedure. The first pack of pills are not used for the prevention of pregnancy but to bring your hormone levels back to normal and establish your cycle. You should start taking the firth Sunday after your abortion.

Reminder: Anytime you are taking birth control pills it is important to remember that if you are having any vomiting or diarrhea, the pills do not work! Anytime you are taking antibiotics or antacids the pills effectiveness decreases. This is when a back-up method is necessary, i.e. condoms and foam.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your procedure, you can contact the clinic between 9am and 5pm, Monday thru Friday and 8AM to 2PM on Sat at 367- 2255. There is an answering service for after hour emergency purposes ONLY. The emergency number is 1-800 585-3602.

EMERGENCIES

We do not assume responsibility if you go to the emergency room, and any charges are to be paid by you. If you have any complaints about our services that you can not work out with us, you may contact

NCDHR at 1-919-733-8499 or 1-800-624-3004