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Caring for yourself afterward
Get plenty of rest.
Take medicines as prescribed.
Talk to your doctor about whether you need to take iron pills or a multivitamin.
Wear compression stockings if your doctor recommends them.
Eat foods that are high in iron and vitamin C. Good sources of iron include red meat, beans, leafy green vegetables, and iron-fortified breakfast cereals. For vitamin C, try citrus fruits.
Watch your bleeding closely. You should see less of it over the next 6 weeks.
Use pads for bleeding. Don't use tampons or cups until your doctor says it's okay.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have chest pain, are short of breath, or cough up blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have signs of hemorrhage (too much bleeding), such as:
- Heavy vaginal bleeding. This means that you are soaking through one or more pads in an hour. Or you pass blood clots bigger than an egg.
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
- Feeling so tired or weak that you cannot do your usual activities.
- A fast or irregular heartbeat.
- New or worse belly pain.
- You have symptoms of a blood clot in your leg, such as:
- Pain in the calf, back of the knee, thigh, or groin.
- Swelling in the leg or groin.
- A color change on the leg or groin. The skin may be reddish or purplish, depending on your usual skin color.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- A fever.
- New or worse pain in your belly.
- Vaginal discharge that smells bad.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you:
- Have vaginal bleeding that's not decreasing.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
