Can I go to work after having a painless abortion?

Mar 31, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

An unintended pregnancy underwent a painless abortion. The work at hand is particularly urgent; can she go back to work directly afterward? Will it have any adverse effects on physical recovery?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu

Abortion refers to induced abortion. Under normal circumstances, it is not recommended to return to work immediately after undergoing painless induced abortion.

Painless induced abortion is a relatively safe minor procedure in which intravenous anesthesia is used to clear the uterine lining while the patient is in a pain-free state. However, even under pain-free conditions, the procedure itself and the effects of anesthetic drugs may impose certain physical stress on the patient. Therefore, it is generally not advisable to return to work immediately after undergoing painless induced abortion.

Furthermore, after a painless induced abortion, a woman's body requires time to recover, including uterine contraction, endometrial repair, and adjustment of hormone levels. This recovery process usually takes some time, and returning to work too early may interfere with the healing process. In addition, women may experience post-procedural discomforts such as vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain after the procedure. Returning to work immediately may exacerbate these symptoms and potentially lead to complications such as infections.

During the recovery period, women should avoid engaging in physical labor, prolonged sitting or standing, and consuming raw, cold, or overly stimulating foods, all of which can aid in physical recovery.