Is it better to move around or lie down during a medical abortion?
Disease description:
Doctor, my wife is currently undergoing a medical abortion, and I'm taking care of her at home these days. I'm unsure whether she should move around more or rest in bed. On one hand, I want her to expel everything as soon as possible, but on the other hand, I'm worried that too much movement might be too strenuous for her body. Could you please advise me on the best way to arrange her activities for optimal recovery?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
During a medical abortion, a combination of appropriate walking and adequate rest is considered a better approach.
Appropriate walking has a positive effect on medical abortion. Walking can utilize gravity to facilitate uterine contractions, helping to expel the gestational sac and other tissues more smoothly, thereby increasing the likelihood of successful abortion. For example, slow indoor walking for 15–20 minutes, three to four times daily, can aid in the expulsion process.
However, during the process of medical abortion, women's bodies are relatively weak, and excessive walking may cause fatigue or even dizziness. When feeling tired, one should promptly lie down to rest, replenish energy, and allow the body to recover. Remaining in a lying position for prolonged periods may hinder the discharge of blood clots and tissue from the uterine cavity, increasing the risk of infection.
Activity after a medical abortion should be moderate—both strenuous exercise and prolonged bed rest should be avoided. For several days following the procedure, heavy physical labor and vigorous exercise should be avoided to prevent increased bleeding. Sufficient rest should be maintained, and specific medical advice and instructions should be followed carefully.
