For many women, having an abortion is not an easy decision. Unfortunately, having your termination is not quite the end of the road as you will need to take care of both your body and mind in the days, weeks, and potentially months following an abortion in order to make sure that you can move forward with your life in the best possible health. Here are some things you might be wondering about.
The "right way" to feel after an abortion
The truth is that there is no right way to feel after having a termination. There are many things that you could feel, including grief, sadness, relief, guilt, or anger. You could feel a combination of these things. You might feel empty and as though you don't feel very much at all. Whatever you are feeling following your termination is completely legitimate so be kind to yourself, and try not to beat yourself up for not feeling the 'right way', because there is no right way.
If you need help working through these feelings, it can be a good idea to talk to somebody objective. Ask your doctor if they can recommend a counsellor or, alternatively, call an abortion helpline.
Getting back to normal activity
In terms of getting back to a normal physical routine, an abortion shouldn't pose too much of a problem. Some women get back to work or school the day of their abortion, and some want to rest up and leave it for a couple of days. The most important thing is to listen to your own body and only get back into your daily routine when you really feel that it's right. And, of course, even when your body is up to resuming a routine, your mind might not be. If you need a few days to let the grief out of your system, take those few days for your wellbeing.
Understanding post-abortion cramps
One of the symptoms that many women experience following an abortion are cramps. These are often felt in the lower belly, and sometimes there is associated pain in the lower back and inner thighs. Cramps can last for up to three weeks following the procedure, so don't be alarmed if you are still having them at this stage. If they progress for any longer than three weeks, be sure to visit your doctor. While you experience cramps, a hot water bottle laid pressed against the belly should help to relive some of the pain.
What about bleeding following an abortion?
Some women will also experience vaginal bleeding following an abortion, so this is nothing to be alarmed about. Again, this could last for up to three weeks. As well as regular spotting, don't be alarmed by blood clots that are discharged from the vagina as well – this is the process of your uterus emptying itself. These are also normal up to three weeks after the abortion. If you are having a medical abortion, you should also expect some heavy bleeding for two to five hours after taking the pill.
Infection prevention following an abortion
You should be aware that your cervix is more open than normal for around two weeks after an abortion, and this means that it's also more prone to becoming infected. For this reason, it's advisable that you refrain from having sex or using sex toys during those two weeks, that you use sanitary pads instead of tampons for the bleeding, and that you don't use swimming pools or hot tubs.
Follow this post abortion advice and transitioning back to your normal life should be somewhat easier.
