At some point in a person's life, they may undergo an abortion.The subject is taboo for some people due to religious shame, political oppression, and other pressures.This unfortunate situation leaves people feeling alone and afraid when considering, during, and after the process of having an abortion.
Step 1: You are not alone.
According to the Alan Guttmacher Institute, 1/3 of American women will have an abortion by the age of 45, and around the globe, the lifetime average is about one abortion per woman.
Step 2: Abortion means different things to different people.
Some people feel strong emotions.Others are simply relieved.If there is not much to process, don't feel like something is wrong with you.Advice for people who are struggling is included in the article.Most of it won't apply to you if you feel fine.Everyone experiences abortion differently, so this doesn't mean you're abnormal.It is possible to take a week off from work or school to focus on your health if you are struggling.
Step 3: Know what's normal after an abortion.
Side effects of abortion fade in time.If the abortion is in the 2nd or 3rd trimester, they are more intense.The side effects get worse after the first few days.It's normal to experience 3-6 weeks of bleeding or spotting, but some people don't bleed at all.
Step 4: What is normal after an abortion?
It's normal to feel tired, cramped, and uncomfortable.It is not severe pain or illness.If you experience any of the following, call a doctor right away.
Step 5: Take some time to heal.
For the first few days after the procedure, you may feel exhausted.If you need more sleep, go to bed early.The day after an abortion, many people can return to regular activities.If you don't feel up to it, take a day or two off.
Step 6: Moderate to intense exercise should be avoided for a week after abortion.
If you feel like you have the energy for it, you can go for a walk or do yoga.If you do yoga that feels like a strain, don't do it.For the first few days after your abortion, you may feel exhausted.Take it easy.
Step 7: It is advisable to avoid certain activities to reduce the risk of infections.
You're at increased risk of infections for the first week or two after an abortion because your cervix will take time to close.If you want to reduce your risk of getting an STD, avoid vaginal sex for 1-2 weeks.Don't swim for a while.During your next period, use sanitary pads.Bath bombs, perfumes, oils, and other additions to bathwater are not recommended.Don't douche for a while.
Step 8: Relieve nausea.
Anti-nausea medication can be prescribed by your health care provider.The nausea can be soothed by salty crackers, dry toast, ginger beer or ginger tea.You should eat small, frequent, fresh meals.
Step 9: It's a good idea to take over-the-counter pain medicines.
After the procedure, you'll feel similar to when you have a menstrual period.They should be treated with either Advil or Motrin.Warming pads, hot water bottles, and massage can help reduce stress.If the pain doesn't go away after a few days, call a doctor.
Step 10: Your iron levels need to beReplenished.
If you are losing a lot of blood, you need to build it up.Take iron supplements with your meals if you have orange juice or tomatoes.It's not a good idea to skimp on meals or eat junk food.You need your strength.You can see how to follow the requirements for an anemic.Meat Eggs, dried apricots, and figs are good sources of iron.
Step 11: It's a good idea to give yourself a massage a little.
It's time to rest and help yourself feel better after you've been through a difficult experience.If you feel stressed, ask yourself what you can do to feel better.For a while, do your best to relax.It's possible to use: flowers heating pad, hot water bottle, candles, or natural light.
Step 12: It is possible to get a massage.
A massage can make you feel better.A massage therapist can massage your back, stomach, feet, or whole body.If you are able to reach the desired spot, you can try to do it on your own.It's a good idea to massage the cramped area.If you don't want to ask for a massage, offer to massage each other.
Step 13: There is a possibility of a crash.
Some people experience symptoms similar to post-partum depression after an abortion.These feelings are temporary and not your fault.If this happens to you, make sure to spend lots of time with your loved ones, and talk to a doctor if you're worried.If symptoms don't improve after a day or two, if they're unbearable, or if you have thoughts of hurting yourself, you should see a doctor.
Step 14: If you like funny movies, books, and other forms of entertainment, then you should treat yourself to them.
Give yourself time to be happy.It's normal to find things amusing and behave normally.It can be comforting to return to normal activities after a difficult decision.
Step 15: You should give yourself time to work through difficult emotions.
You don't want to become so busy that you fail to heal from the experience.A significant other, friend, or mentor would be great.
Step 16: Take care of any difficult emotions you are feeling.
Grieving, loss, confusion, or self-blame may be experienced by some people.Don't judge your feelings.They should be allowed to move through you.It's difficult to recover from an abortion if you were a prospective parent with a baby that couldn't survive.It's terrible to bury a baby you never got to meet.It will take time, but remember that this is not your fault.
Step 17: You can express your feelings in art.
You can try any form of creative expression that calls to you.
Step 18: Meditate.
Work through your feelings.It is possible to express your feelings about aborting the fetus.Write a letter, paint a picture, create music, or do something else to express your feelings about the fetus.I wish I could have been your parent, but I wasn't ready to raise you the way you deserve, so tell the fetus how you feel.
Step 19: Look for guidance.
Seek the guidance of mentors, counselors, or spiritual advisers who are nonsectarian if you feel so moved.Pick people who can treat you with kindness, not judgement.You are your own best guide.
Step 20: The lessons are available.
The message of the experience should be received as a whole.Is it possible that this experience of being temporarily, unexpectedly pregnant has come here to show you?What life lessons did it teach you?What parts of yourself do you know better?What do you want to do with your life now that you did not before?
Step 21: Send your feelings out.
You might want to think about why you didn't choose parenthood at this time.If you were to have to raise a child right now, what goals would you not be able to complete?Determine which of these goals are most important to you.These are good questions to ask.You should be patient with the answers.Take time every day to meditate, pray, sing, journal, read self-help books, seek counsel, or do whatever it is that helps you discover your inner truth.Is your purpose in life?How can you make a difference?Work on the goals.
Step 22: Let yourself be forgiven.
Some people have abortions due to circumstances that weren't their fault, but other people feel that they made bad decisions.You have to learn to forgive yourself if you made choices that you regret.Sometimes good people make bad choices.It doesn't make you a bad person if you made a few bad choices.I did the best I could.I can learn from the past.If you feel like you did a bad thing by getting an abortion, you can list some good things you could do.This information can be used to make more thoughtful decisions in the future.
Step 23: Stay out of the way of people who would judge or blame you.
People may call you names or mistreat you if they don't agree with how you handled the situation.This is not helpful to you.If you don't want to talk to someone who is close to you for a while, focus on taking care of yourself.If you think someone would react badly, you don't have to tell them.You are not obligated to tell anyone if you don't want to, because this is about what happened to you.Don't argue if someone reacts badly.Say "I'm sorry you feel that way" and end the conversation.Getting into a heated argument is not helpful to anyone.If necessary, take some space from someone.
Step 24: It's a good idea to confiding in someone that you can trust.
Who would listen without judgement?Do you feel safe with your friends, family members, mentors, and other allies?They should be able to reflect compassion and pro-choice.You may know people who have had abortions or who supported someone who has.Exhale is an after-abortion counseling talk line if you don't feel you can trust anyone in your circle.If you have a partner, talk to them.Ask if you need them to just listen to your feelings.It is possible to ask about their feelings about this.Your partner may be feeling a range of emotions, from strong emotions to nothing in particular, and may or may not need to process them.
Step 25: Let's talk.
If you need to get something off your chest, you can try talking into a recorder.
Step 26: Reach out to someone.
Ask your partner or support person what you need.Tell them how they can support you.If they can help you, they will feel better.Do you want someone to spend time with you?Ask.It might make you feel better.
Step 27: If you don't know who else to reach out to, you can call a hotline.
If you don't feel comfortable talking to anyone in your life, if your loved ones are ill-equipped to help you, or if you're struggling late at night, try reaching out to a hotline.You can call.