Post-Abortion Care: What to Expect and How to Heal
Abortion — whether through medication or surgery — is a medical procedure that can have serious effects on the body and mind. Understanding post-abortion care is crucial for healing and recovery.
We at Life Forward are here to help during your pregnancy — and after — so you are fully informed about reproductive health and can get the care needed. We have experienced Client Educators who are trained, willing to listen, and provide a safe and neutral environment to help your family with whatever you need.
We want you to feel heard and understood as you share intimate thoughts and feelings. We also have a team of medical professionals focusing on women’s health and well-being that you can talk to and ask questions regarding reproductive health. Please reach out to Life Forward to get started today!
In order to help you stay informed and prepared during your pregnancy, this article delves into what to expect after an abortion and outlines steps for physical and emotional healing.
Understanding Post-Abortion Care
Post-abortion care refers to the medical and emotional support needed after an abortion procedure. This care is vital to ensure a healthy recovery and address any complications that may arise. A study showing the long-term impacts of abortion emphasizes the importance of comprehensive care, which includes managing physical health, addressing emotional needs, and providing education regarding future reproductive health.
Physical Health After Abortion
Abortion will affect the body in several ways, and the type of abortion — medication or surgical — determines the kind of care required.
Medication Abortion Care
Medication abortion involves taking pills to end a pregnancy. After a medication abortion, you might experience the following:
Bleeding and cramping, which can last for two weeks or more, as you pass the baby’s developing body tissue
Nausea and vomiting
Fatigue
Post-medication abortion care focuses on managing these symptoms and includes:
Rest and taking prescribed pain medication
Using sanitary pads to monitor bleeding. Soaking through a pad in less than an hour is a sign of an emergent issue.
Avoiding inserting anything into the vagina to prevent infection– including tampons, douching, and sexual intercourse
Surgical Abortion Care
Surgical abortion involves an invasive procedure to end the pregnancy. Post-surgical abortion symptoms may involve:
Light bleeding and spotting for a few weeks
Cramping as the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size
Post-surgical abortion care steps are similar to post-medication abortion care, but also may include:
Taking antibiotics to prevent infection, if prescribed
Emotional Healing After Abortion
Abortion will also impact emotional health, and emotional healing after abortion is a vital part of post-abortion care. It's common to experience a range of emotions. Post-abortion emotional care may involve:
Counseling or Therapy: Professional support can help navigate complex feelings of grief, anxiety, depression, or regret. Additionally, spiritual support or counseling, such as meeting with a pastor or a trusted peer counselor, can be crucial in the healing process by providing a space for you to ask questions, explore your faith, receive prayer, and feel seen and heard.
Support Groups: Sharing experiences with others who have gone through similar situations can be comforting.
Self-Care Practices: Activities like exercise, healthy eating, prioritizing sleep, journaling, prayer, practicing gratitude, performing breathing exercises, and surrounding yourself with loved ones can aid in emotional healing after an abortion.
An important part of the process is acknowledging your feelings. It's normal to experience a range of difficult emotions. Life Forward has trained professionals who can provide support and help you navigate through your situation. We can also refer you to other community resources that can further help with your specific needs. Reach out to us today to learn more!
Nutritional and Physical Care
After abortion, food plays a crucial role in recovery. Nutrient-rich foods can help the body heal. Include:
Protein-rich foods to aid tissue repair
Iron-rich foods to compensate for blood loss
Vitamins and minerals to boost overall health
Maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water
Physical activities — such as walking or other light exercise — can also support physical and emotional healing, but it's important to start slowly and follow your doctor's advice.
When to Seek Help
Complications can occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Heavy bleeding
Severe abdominal pain
Severe nausea/vomiting or diarrhea
Fever
Signs of infection, including foul-smelling discharge
Abortion is a stressful, emotional, and often traumatic event and requires comprehensive post-abortion care for healing and recovery. This care encompasses managing physical symptoms, addressing emotional health, and making informed decisions about future reproductive health. For support and more information, explore resources on parenting, adoption, and abortion, along with advice on confirming pregnancy and understanding the physical symptoms of pregnancy. Remember, healing after an abortion involves physical, emotional, and spiritual care, each essential to the journey toward recovery.
How Life Forward Can Help
At Life Forward, we are here to help women in the Cincinnati area who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant. In addition to consultations, pregnancy testing, and ultrasounds, we offer other educational and supportive services — as well as referrals to other community resources — at no cost to you.
Our staff of trained Client Educators and medical professionals will assist you and connect you to the resources and help you need. These resources can help you or your daughter be more prepared during pregnancy and make the best decisions. Learn more about the services we offer or call or text us at 513.961.7777 to schedule an appointment today!