Abortion
Day 26 after abortion: what is the first period like?
Day 26 · Recovery after abortion
On day twenty-six some women have had their first period, others are still waiting. Whichever is your case, knowing in advance what that bleeding may be like reduces the uncertainty.
The previous page described the preparation leading up to the period. Today we look at the bleeding itself: what counts as the first period and what does not, how long any difference may last, and at what heaviness to call the clinic.
Short answer
What is the first period like after an abortion, is it different from normal?
The first period after an abortion varies from woman to woman; it is often a little heavier than usual and ends within the usual time. Under SoftCare Clinic's rule, if the bleeding is still very heavy after day 3–4 of the period, call the clinic. Period-like bleeding seen in the first 5–10 days after the procedure does not count as the first period. A tampon can be used if changed often.
The three patterns of bleeding
Bleeding that starts right after the procedure belongs to the recovery period; the first period is separate and comes later.
A chart showing bleeding heaviness by day with pad icons; the second pattern of bleeding, starting after the procedure, is highlighted.Is the first period after an abortion like a usual one?
It varies from woman to woman. According to our clinic's doctor, the first period is often a little heavier than you are used to; its length mostly does not exceed what you are used to.
It is too early to conclude from a single period that your pattern has changed. The pattern settles over a few cycles; it is better to compare with the next periods as well.
According to the clinic's information, the period starts within 40 days on average; so not having had a period yet on day 26 does not count as a delay.
Was the bleeding in the first days the first period?
No. In the 5–10 days after the procedure there may be spotting, and bleeding resembling a period can be seen with gaps of 1–2 days. These are the bleeds of the recovery period.
This distinction matters for the calendar: when calculating your next period, you take as the starting point the day your first period started, not those early bleeds.
When does the first period count as too heavy?
The measure is the third and fourth day of the period: if the bleeding is still very heavy after these days, you call the clinic. Noting the day the period started and how many pads you use a day makes it easier to describe the situation when you call.
Two to three pads filling within one hour, however, means calling the clinic straight away, regardless of which day of the period it is.
Should I use pads or tampons during the first period?
Under the clinic's rule, a tampon can be used during the first period as long as it is changed often. If you will not be able to change it for a long time, a tampon is not recommended; choose a pad then. A pad also makes it easier to count the amount of bleeding.
Do today
- Mark the day your first period started on your calendar.
- Write down the number of pads you use day by day.
- If you use tampons, change them often.
- Keep pads with you.
Don't do today
- Do not count the bleeding in the first days as the first period.
- Do not conclude from a single period that your pattern is disrupted.
- Do not leave a tampon in for a long time without changing it.
- Do not use period-regulating medicine without asking your doctor.
Special note
If your first period is very heavy
If the bleeding is still very heavy after day 3–4 of your period, call the clinic. If you see bleeding that soaks 2–3 pads an hour or a clot the size of a golf ball, call without counting days; you can reach the medical team 24 hours a day.
When should you call?
Call 112 first (if you are abroad, that country's emergency number)
- Fainting: If you faint, call 112 first; if you are abroad, call the emergency number of the country you are in.
Call the clinic straight away
- Heavy bleeding: Soaking 2–3 pads within one hour. A total of 2–3 pads over the whole day is normal.
- Fever: A temperature of 38 °C or higher, or fever together with weakness.
- Severe pain: Severe abdominal or back pain that does not ease with painkillers.
- Foul-smelling discharge: Unusual, foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
- Large clot: Passing a clot the size of a golf ball.
Call the clinic
- If your first period lasts noticeably longer than you are used to, consult the clinic.
- If you are not sure whether the bleeding you see is a period, ask the clinic.
- Dizziness or shivering: Dizziness, chills and shivering that do not pass.
- Hard abdomen: The abdomen becoming hard, or clear tenderness when touched.
- Burning on urination: Burning or stinging when passing urine.
SoftCare Clinic patients can reach the doctor's assistant or a nurse 24 hours a day; when needed, they contact the doctor. Call whenever you are unsure; what your own doctor tells you always comes first.
Frequently asked questions
Is the first period heavy after an abortion?
The first period after an abortion varies from woman to woman; according to SoftCare Clinic's doctor, it is often a little heavier than usual and ends within the usual time. If the bleeding is still very heavy after day 3–4 of the period, call the clinic. With bleeding that soaks 2–3 pads an hour, however, you do not wait for any day; call the clinic straight away.
Can you use a tampon during the first period after an abortion?
Under SoftCare Clinic's rule, a tampon can be used during the first period after an abortion if it is changed often; it is not recommended if it will not be changed for a long time. Use pads at times when you cannot change a tampon often. If you want to track how heavy the bleeding is, counting pads is easier; with bleeding that stays very heavy after day 3–4 of the period, call the clinic.
Is bleeding one week after an abortion a period?
It is not. According to SoftCare Clinic's information, there may be spotting in the first 5–10 days after an abortion, and period-like bleeding can be seen with gaps of 1–2 days. These bleeds belong to the recovery period. The first period comes later; according to the clinic's information, it starts within 40 days on average.
Sources
SoftCare Clinic for your questions
Our patients can reach a nurse and the doctor's assistant 24 hours a day.
This page is for general information; it does not replace an examination or your doctor's advice. Every woman recovers differently. The times and rules your doctor gives you always take priority over those on this page.
Medically reviewed by Op. Dr. Şükrü Sanus, Obstetrician & Gynecologist · Last medical review: