What To Eat After An Abortion For Faster Recovery

After an abortion, eating nutritious foods, drinking enough fluids, and giving your body time to rest can help support recovery.

There is no special “post-abortion diet” that everyone needs to follow. However, some people experience cramping, bleeding, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, or temporary digestive discomfort after a medical or procedural abortion.

During the first day or two, you may prefer simple foods that are easy to tolerate. As your appetite returns, the goal should be to gradually return to a balanced diet containing protein, iron, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and adequate fluids.

Here are some practical suggestions for what to eat after an abortion.

1. Stay Well Hydrated

Drinking enough fluids is one of the simplest things you can do while recovering.

Water is usually the best choice, but you can also try:

• Herbal tea
• Soup or broth
• Diluted fruit juice
• Smoothies
• Electrolyte drinks when needed

If nausea is bothering you, taking small sips throughout the day may be easier than drinking a large amount at once.

Ginger tea may also be soothing for some people experiencing nausea or stomach discomfort.

2. Start With Simple Foods If You Feel Nauseous

Nausea and digestive upset can occur after an abortion, particularly after medications used for a medication abortion. These symptoms generally improve fairly quickly; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever that continues for more than 24 hours after misoprostol should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

If your stomach feels sensitive, start with foods you tolerate well, such as:

• Toast
• Rice
• Bananas
• Applesauce
• Crackers
• Potatoes
• Pasta
• Soup
• Oatmeal
• Yogurt

You do not need to force yourself to eat a large meal. Several smaller meals or snacks may feel more comfortable until your normal appetite returns.

3. Eat Protein-Rich Foods

Protein provides amino acids your body uses for maintaining and repairing tissues.

Good sources include:

• Chicken
• Turkey
• Eggs
• Fish
• Greek yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Beans
• Lentils
• Tofu
• Nuts and nut butters

Try including some protein at each meal rather than relying on one large serving.

4. Include Iron-Rich Foods

Because bleeding is common after an abortion, paying attention to foods containing iron can be useful, particularly if your healthcare provider has told you that your iron level is low.

Foods naturally rich in iron include:

• Lean beef
• Turkey
• Beans
• Lentils
• Spinach and other leafy greens
• Fortified breakfast cereals
• Tofu
• Seafood

Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron from food. ACOG lists foods such as oranges, strawberries, broccoli, grapefruit, and peppers as useful sources of vitamin C.

For example, you could combine lentils with bell peppers or eat an orange with an iron-fortified breakfast.

Do not automatically begin taking high-dose iron supplements unless your healthcare provider recommends them. Too much supplemental iron can cause side effects and may not be necessary.

5. Choose Fish With Healthy Fats

Fish such as salmon can provide protein and omega-3 fatty acids as part of a balanced diet.

Other options include:

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Trout
• Light canned tuna

There is no need to eat unusually large amounts of fish after an abortion. Variety is preferable, and normal food-safety recommendations concerning mercury in certain fish still apply.

6. Eat Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and carbohydrates that can contribute to a balanced recovery diet.

Good choices include:

• Bananas
• Berries
• Oranges
• Apples
• Carrots
• Sweet potatoes
• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Bell peppers
• Green beans

If your stomach feels unsettled, cooked vegetables may initially be easier for you to tolerate than large portions of raw vegetables.

7. Try a Banana Smoothie

A smoothie can be helpful if you do not feel ready for a complete meal.

For example, combine:

• One banana
• Milk or a fortified plant-based alternative
• Yogurt
• Berries

You can also add oats or nut butter for additional calories and protein if you tolerate them well.

Smoothies can be particularly convenient when your appetite is temporarily reduced.

8. Soups Can Be an Easy Recovery Meal

Soup can provide both food and fluids at the same time.

Chicken soup, lentil soup, vegetable soup, or another familiar soup can be a convenient choice, especially if you feel tired or nauseous.

Adding vegetables, beans, chicken, noodles, rice, or potatoes can turn a simple broth into a more complete meal.

9. Listen to Your Appetite

You do not need to follow a rigid food schedule after an abortion.

If you are hungry, eat. If you feel nauseous, try smaller portions and gradually increase the amount you eat as you begin feeling better.

Most people can return to their normal diet relatively quickly.

What matters most is choosing foods that you tolerate and getting enough fluids, calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals rather than searching for one particular food that will dramatically speed recovery.

Foods and Drinks You May Want to Limit

There is usually no long list of prohibited foods after an abortion.

However, while you are experiencing nausea or stomach upset, you may find it more comfortable to temporarily limit foods that personally make your symptoms worse, such as very greasy or extremely spicy meals.

Alcohol also deserves additional caution. If you received sedation for an in-clinic abortion, Planned Parenthood advises avoiding alcohol for at least 12 hours afterward and while taking prescription pain medication.

Follow the specific instructions provided by your clinic or healthcare professional.

When Should You Contact a Healthcare Professional?

Food can support normal recovery, but it cannot treat an abortion complication.

Contact your abortion provider or another healthcare professional if you are concerned about your symptoms, particularly if you develop severe or worsening pain, very heavy bleeding, fever or chills, fainting, unusual vaginal discharge, or symptoms that are not improving as expected.

ACOG and the NHS both advise seeking medical help when concerning symptoms develop after an abortion.

Contact us if you need help

The Fort Lauderdale Women’s Center is Offering The One Hour Abortion Pill Procedure – 3 to 14 Weeks. Patients who qualify may receive a significant discount in the price of the procedure if they meet certain criteria.

Call Us Now For Same Day Appointment.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center