What should one eat after an abortion to restore physical health?

Dec 28, 2021 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Xiuyan
Introduction
After an induced abortion, there are specific requirements regarding the quantity, quality, and combination of various foods to meet the body’s needs for protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Dietary adjustments to support post-abortion recovery can be approached from several aspects: Protein is a key component of antibodies.

Induced abortion—also known as “artificial abortion”—refers to the termination of pregnancy within the first three months of gestation, either surgically or pharmacologically. This procedure is termed “early pregnancy termination” and commonly referred to as induced abortion. Induced abortion can be categorized into two main types: surgical abortion and medical (pharmacological) abortion. Commonly used methods include vacuum aspiration abortion, dilation and curettage (D&C) abortion, and medical abortion. Regardless of the method chosen, all induced abortions cause irreversible physical harm to women; therefore, post-abortion recovery must be prioritized.

What Should You Eat After an Induced Abortion to Support Recovery?

Following an induced abortion, dietary intake must be carefully managed in terms of quantity, quality, and food combinations to meet the body’s increased requirements for protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Dietary strategies to support post-abortion recovery may focus on the following aspects:

Protein constitutes a critical component of antibodies; insufficient intake compromises immune function and lowers resistance to infection. According to the Chinese Dietary Guidelines, daily protein intake should total approximately 100–150 g during the first two weeks post-abortion. Therefore, it is advisable to consume ample amounts of poultry, fish, lean meat, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and soy-based foods.

The body is typically weakened after abortion surgery and prone to excessive sweating. Adequate hydration is essential—drink water frequently in small amounts, with a pinch of salt added to replenish electrolytes. Since water-soluble vitamins—especially vitamin C and vitamin B1—are lost through sweat, consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits is strongly recommended.

While maintaining a balanced diet, fat intake should be moderately restricted. During the first week post-procedure, total fat intake should be limited to approximately 500 g. Women experiencing menstrual irregularities must strictly avoid spicy or stimulating foods—including chili peppers, alcohol, vinegar, pepper, and ginger—as these may provoke pelvic congestion and increase menstrual flow. Additionally, cold-natured foods such as duck meat, bitter melon, straw mushrooms, bananas, watermelon, and crab should also be minimized or avoided.

Adopt a scientifically balanced diet incorporating both animal- and plant-based foods, ensuring variety and avoiding picky eating habits.

During dietary recovery, priority should be given to adequate intake of minerals, high-quality protein, and vitamins—particularly iron—to help prevent post-abortion anemia.

We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and happiness!

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