The period after an abortion often returns fairly quickly, but some women may not see their menstrual cycle return to normal for several months following the procedure. A woman can ovulate as early as two weeks following the termination of a pregnancy. How quickly a woman’s period returns after an abortion, however, can vary from individual to individual and depending upon how far along the pregnancy was at termination. The period after an abortion returns in much the same way as a period after miscarriage.
The reason the period after an abortion may be delayed or irregular is because the body may retain some pregnancy hormones. The body may feel the effects of those hormones for several weeks after the pregnancy is terminated. One of the changes these hormones cause in the body is the suppression of ovulation, without which there is likely no period.
If the pregnancy was terminated in the first trimester of the pregnancy, the period after an abortion will usually return within four to 12 weeks of the procedure. The first period following a surgical abortion may be lighter than normal and may not last as long as usual, or it may be normal. If the first period is significantly heavier or longer than normal, the woman should consult her physician. If the woman had a medical abortion, one that was induced by medication, usually in a pill form, she may experience a heavier period than normal during the first cycle following the termination of the pregnancy.
There may be some effects on the menstrual cycle for up to two years after an abortion. The period may not resume its normal cycle and may not occur on a regular cycle. The amount of time the period after an abortion lasts, the amount of bleeding, and the amount of cramping may change from cycle to cycle for several months. Some women report having symptoms of pregnancy, such as swollen breasts, fatigue, and back pain, at the time of their periods for several months following an abortion. Some women also report more clotting, pain, and premenstrual syndrome symptoms in the first periods following an abortion.
The decision to have an abortion is often one that is stressful for women. Abnormal amounts of stress can affect the menstrual cycle and may cause changes in the period after an abortion. This may occur even if the physical effects of the pregnancy and the abortion have subsided.