After the MVA
Wa r nin g s ig n s
• Bleeding that is more than her usual
monthly bleeding — especially
bright red blood or large clots.
• Bleeding for more than two weeks
after the MVA.
• Bad-smelling discharge from the
vagina.
• Womb that stays enlarged or that
grows bigger after the MVA.
• Strong pain, increasing pain, or
cramping or pain in the belly or
pelvis for more than 3 or 4 days.
• Fever, chills, or feeling ill.
• Feeling weak or dizzy,
or fainting.
If the woman is bleeding more than a normal monthly bleeding, rub her womb
every few hours (see page 224) to keep it hard and to push out any blood clots.
Putting a bag of ice on her belly for 15 or 20 minutes may help too.
If she continues to bleed or has any other danger signs, get medical help.
Staying healthy after an MVA
Tell the woman what she should expect while her body heals. It is normal for her
body to take a couple of weeks to feel like it did before she was pregnant. Tell her
what warning signs to look for. And be sure the woman has a chance to talk about
how she feels. Some women have fear, sadness, or other feelings after an MVA.
For the next few weeks, the woman should take care of her body so she can heal
quickly and completely. She should avoid putting
anything in her vagina and should not have
sexual intercourse until she stops bleeding.
Encourage the woman to drink plenty
of liquids and to eat good, healthy foods.
She should rest for a few days if possible.
Family planning
After an MVA, ask the woman if she wants to
know more about family planning. It is just as
easy for a woman to become pregnant after an
MVA as at any other time. Also, the woman may
have had the MVA because she had a pregnancy
that she did not want. See Chapter 17 to help her
find a family planning method that works for her.
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A Book for Midwives (2010)