If you are considering getting a medical abortion i.e. an abortion with pills, it is important to inform yourself about what comes after the procedure. In this blog, we will guide you through this period by offering insights into managing discomfort, nurturing your emotional well-being, and if you are ready for it, planning for future reproductive health. Remember that you’re not alone in this journey.
Taking care of your body
It’s possible to experience some level of pain and discomfort after a medical abortion, including cramping, vaginal bleeding, and nausea. While this can be uncomfortable, it is usually manageable and subsides as the body heals.
Rest: Following a medical abortion, your body needs time to recover. Resting is crucial to help your body regain strength. Listen to your body’s signals and allow yourself to take it easy for a few days. Avoid strenuous activities, heavy lifting, and excessive physical exertion during this period to give your body the chance to recuperate.
Nutrition: Nourishing your body with the right nutrients can aid in the healing process. Focus on a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein. Incorporate foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated is equally important, so make sure to drink enough water. Adequate nutrition provides your body with the resources it needs to repair itself effectively.
Pain management: To alleviate cramping and discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen. Applying a heating pad or a warm water bottle to the abdominal area can also provide relief. However, it’s essential to avoid aspirin during this time, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
Nausea: For nausea and vomiting. eat gentle and easily digestible foods. Opt for bland options such as crackers, plain rice, or bananas. Ginger, whether in the form of tea, ginger ale, or ginger candies, has been known to help alleviate nausea.
Taking care of your mind
It’s completely normal to experience a range of emotions after an abortion. Allow yourself the space to feel these emotions without judgment. Remember that all emotional responses are valid and part of the healing process.
Share: If you’re comfortable, consider talking to someone you trust about your feelings. Sharing your thoughts and emotions with a friend, family member, or partner can provide a sense of relief and understanding. Professional counselors or therapists who specialize in reproductive health can also offer non-judgmental support tailored to your individual needs. Some therapists also facilitate support groups specifically designed for individuals with similar experiences. These groups can provide a compassionate environment for sharing and healing. Sharing stories, exchanging advice, and finding solidarity with others provide validation and comfort.
Express and reflect: You can also jot down your thoughts to process them. Journaling can be a powerful tool for self-expression and self-discovery. Write about your experiences, emotions, and reflections. This practice can help you make sense of your feelings and track your progress over time. Don’t worry about grammar or structure; the goal is to provide an outlet for your thoughts.
Calming activities: Engaging in calming activities can help alleviate stress and promote emotional healing. Consider activities such as gentle yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or mindful walks. These practices can help soothe your mind and body, reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of relaxation. Find what resonates with you and make it a regular part of your routine.
Hobbies: Another thing you can do to slowly get back to your routine is immerse yourself in activities you enjoy. Whether it’s reading, painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, hobbies offer a space where you can temporarily shift your focus away from emotional stressors.
Self-Care
Acts of self-care tie in with your efforts for your body and mind, and help with the recovery process.
Hygiene: Maintaining proper hygiene is essential during your recovery. Take warm showers rather than hot baths to prevent any potential infections. Use a mild, unscented soap on your body and avoid harsh cleaning products, especially around the genital areas. Pat yourself dry gently after washing to avoid irritation.
Absorption: Vaginal bleeding or spotting is common after a medical abortion. Use sanitary pads instead of tampons during this time to reduce the risk of infection. Change pads regularly to stay clean and comfortable.
Contraception and Future Reproductive Health
After a medical abortion, you might want to plan for your future reproductive health. Discussing birth control options with your healthcare provider would then be an important step. They can provide information about various methods, such as hormonal birth control (like the pill, patch, or implant), intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, and fertility awareness methods. Every individual’s needs are different, so finding the contraception that aligns with your preferences and health considerations is crucial.
The timing for restarting contraception after a medical abortion can vary. Be aware that you can get pregnant again as soon as 8 days after a medical abortion. In many cases, providers recommend starting birth control immediately after the abortion to ensure ongoing protection against pregnancy. Your healthcare provider can guide you on the appropriate time to initiate contraception based on your specific situation.
Medical Help
It is important to know when to seek help.
For example, if you find yourself soaking through more than two sanitary pads in an hour or passing large blood clots, this could indicate excessive bleeding. This might be a sign of a complication that requires medical attention.
Similarly, severe or prolonged pain that is difficult to manage with over-the-counter pain relievers should be taken seriously. If the pain is interfering with your daily activities or causing significant discomfort, it’s a sign to contact a healthcare provider.
Fever, nausea and vomiting are normal side-effects of an abortion with pills. However, you should feel better and better each day. If you start to feel sicker, then you should seek immediate medical attention.
Keeping an eye out for symptoms of infection such as fever, chills, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or persistent pelvic pain is also crucial. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek medical help promptly to prevent the infection from worsening.
More Guidance
We hope this blog has provided you with essential tips for how to take care of yourself after an abortion with pills. If you still have questions, you can visit our website howtouseabortionpill.org and read more about the procedure.
We are an internet community led by committed individuals who share the belief that everyone, regardless of their location, should be able to avail a secure abortion. To achieve this goal, we disseminate accurate information and valuable resources concerning the abortion pill. This includes insights into pre-abortion considerations, reliable sources for obtaining quality abortion pills, guidelines for their secure usage, anticipated experiences, and appropriate steps for seeking medical assistance when needed. Our mission is to empower individuals with the knowledge required to confidently manage their abortion according to their own preferences.