Understanding how to properly care for yourself following termination of a pregnancy is incredibly important, as it plays a vital role in minimizing the risk of infections and expediting your recovery process. Self-care during this sensitive time involves several key practices that can help ensure both physical and emotional well-being.
Firstly, it is essential to follow any specific medical advice provided by healthcare professionals, which may include guidelines on rest, diet, monitoring for unusual symptoms, proper hygiene practices and knowing when to seek medical attention can further protect your health during this period.
What to expect emotionally
Terminating a pregnancy can be emotionally challenging for some women because the decrease in progesterone and estrogen levels may lead to mood swings but eventually fades away with time. It’s also important to know that the emotional impact can vary based on personal beliefs, relationships, and societal stigma.
The emotionally trauma caused during termination can lead to sadness, confusion, guilt, shame also result in low self-esteem, isolation, sleep disruptions, and even suicidal thoughts. Seeking support certified abortion providers and mental health professionals can help you overcome such thoughts.
Physical symptoms experienced
After termination, your body begins to return to its pre-pregnant state and the time it takes to fully recover depends on the type of abortion that you was performed and any complications you might experience. However you might continue to experience:-
- Breast tenderness:- Most individuals experience some whitish fluid from their nippless.
- Bleeding:- Heavier in the first days but eventually decreases.
- Cramping:-The severity of the cramping might be compared to strong period pains.
- Pregnancy symptoms:- Nausea and fatigue might also continue for some days but will eventually fade away.
Abnormal side effects
- Fever:- Chills and and high fever of 101° F or higher after the day of your procedure.
- Abdominal cramping:- Severe pain or strong cramping that medication does not help.
- Prolonged bleeding:- Soaking 2 or more maxi sanitary pads with larger clots in an hour for 2 hours in a row.
- Smelly discharge:- Yellowish discharge and very smelly that you cant handle its smell.
- Pregnancy symptoms:- Continuous Nausea, vomiting or feeling like you’re still pregnant.
So how can you properly care for yourself after Abortion ?
Prioritizing self-care after an abortion is crucial for both physical and emotional healing. The experience can be overwhelming, and giving yourself the necessary time and attention to recover is essential for your overall well-being. We have listed 8 essential tips that can facilitate a faster and smoother recovery process for you, ensuring that you navigate this significant life event with care and compassion towards yourself.
These suggestions encompass various aspects of self-care, including emotional support, physical health, and mental wellness, all of which play a vital role in your recovery journey.
To relieve discomfort or pain
- The To alleviate abdominal discomfort or pain, use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your lower abdomen.
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
follow guidelines below
- Rest as much as you can unless you have work to do.
- Avoid strenuous activities for the first few days.
- Include plenty of nutritious foods in your diet.
- Take plenty of fluids water, juice and energy drinks.
- Refrain from douching or vaginal intercourse for 2-3 weeks.
- Use pads for the bleeding and avoiding tampons
- Avoid using bath tubs or swimming for at least a week
- Take prescribed medications and start birth control immediately.
Your next period!
Regardless of what abortion procedure { Medical / Surgical } the first normal menstrual period typically starts within 4 to 8 weeks. It may even start earlier if the pregnancy was terminated at an early stage.
The most important thing is to stay calm and be patient. However, if you haven’t had your period for more than eight weeks, it is recommended that you consider scheduling a follow-up appointment with your abortion provider to assess any underlying issues.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Here are some signs during your abortion recovery time that may indicate the necessity to consult a healthcare provider
- 1. **Fever**:- If its continuous with a temperature exceeding of 100.4°F (38°C)
- 2. **Vomiting**:- This might indicate a possibility of an incomplete abortion procedure.
- 3. **Severe Pains**:- Prolonged and intense abdominal pain could signify underlying complications.
- 4. **Prolonged Bleeding**:- If bleeding persists for more than a week and requires frequent pad changes.
- 5. **Smelly Vaginal Discharge**:- Changes in the color or odor of vaginal discharge post-abortion may indicate a potential infection.
- 6. **Allergic Reaction to Medication**:- like rash, itchiness, difficulty breathing, or swelling after taking abortion medication.
Being attentive to these signs and symptoms post-abortion can help in identifying and addressing any potential complications early on.
Helpful Resources for Navigating Abortion Recovery
If you are seeking support, emotional counselling, post abortion consolations or a safeway to end a pregnancy, Carlton women’s health clinic, provides such comprehensive services in a warm and supportive environment. Others places that will listen, answer questions, and empower you on your healing journey include:-
- Family planning centers:- They provide support, post abortion counselling, birth control options and referrals.
- Online communities:- These communities are a great place if you need to stay anonymous and also get peer support if once had an abortion.
Learn More
Explore additional strategies, tips and advice on how to expedite and enhance your post-abortion care and recovery phase.
What to eat
Post-abortion diet and anti-inflammatory foods to promote quicker healing and recovery.
Managing pain
Recommended pain medication and home remedies that can assist relive painful abdominal cramps
Abortion do's & don'ts
Helpful list of do’s and don’ts that you should follow in order to heal and recovery quickly!