Most people who have an abortion in the first trimester don't experience long-term psychological consequences, but it can be an emotional experience.Making an informed decision, preparing yourself for the procedure, dealing with the aftereffects, and practicing forgiveness are some of the things you can do to deal with an abortion healthfully.
Step 1: Analyze the choices.
You need to think about the different options before making a decision.People who choose an abortion over another option fare the same in terms of psychological outcome.Think about your options.If you want, you can either parent, put the child up for adoption, or sign over control to a family member or someone close to you.Take your situation into account with these options.You can write down the pros and cons of each.
Step 2: Consider your feelings and beliefs.
Some people don't like the idea of abortion and others think it's a human right.You can be anywhere along the spectrum.It's important to think about your own feelings about being a parent.Your thoughts and feelings are important.Do you believe in abortion?What do you think about people who have abortions?Are you ready to be a parent?Would you want to be able to see the baby?Would you be okay with people judging you if you aborted the baby?
Step 3: Consider issues that are practical.
You can imagine different futures for yourself: one in which you keep the baby, one where you carry the pregnancy and then put the child up for adoption, and the other a different scenario.Can you afford a child?If you had a child, what would your future look like?If your state requires it, are you willing to tell a parent or a judge?Can you handle an abortion?Is it possible that you could handle it with more support?Is it possible to handle being pregnant?
Step 4: Talk to someone you trust.
Support will help you make a decision and prepare for it.You feel more confident in your ability to deal with the situation if you have support with you.Whether it is a parent, a friend, mentor, clergy member, or a counselor, you need someone to be able to turn to for comfort and support.If you have a partner, you can get support.If possible, get support from your parents.You don't need people who are not supportive.People who are not supportive have more psychological distress.You don't have to tell anyone if you're 18 or over.If you don't get support from your partner or parents, find something else.Talk to your friends or siblings.
Step 5: Speak to a doctor.
If you use an at- home pregnancy test to find out you're pregnant, you should see a doctor.You can learn more about whether or not you want to end the pregnancy if you haven't made up your mind.At your initial appointment, ask a lot of questions.There are staff members trained to discuss your concerns with you.
Step 6: Understand how the decision affects you.
People who have an easier time making the decision, who are content with the choice, and who end unwanted pregnancies show that it's easier to deal with abortion.Take some time to think about it.If you make a hasty decision, you may regret it.Take time to think about what's best for you.
Step 7: Know your risk factors.
About 1% of people experience abortion-related problems, which is a largely safe procedure.Some people experience psychological consequences after an abortion, but most people don't.The risk of psychological harm increases when there are other stressors.Know your mental health history.You might have a harder time dealing with an abortion if you have emotional problems.Take a look at the other stressors in your life.You might have a harder time dealing with the effects of an abortion if you have low financial ability.Understand your support network.You may have a more difficult time if you have experienced domestic or partner violence.The psychological outcome of an abortion can be affected by personality characteristics.Individuals may experience more distress if they don't have healthy ways of dealing with it.
Step 8: Look at different clinics.
You will want to find out where you want the procedure to be done if you decide to end the pregnancy.You can get a referral from your doctor.You can find providers on the website.
Step 9: Be aware.
You should be aware of everything that will happen.Call ahead or speak to a doctor about what to expect.Depending on where you go, some services can be low-cost or free, while others are expensive.Understand your state's abortion laws.You can find out which type of abortion is best for you.The doctor will give you a summary before the procedure and walk you through it.
Step 10: Know the possible side effects.
There is information about what to expect from each type of abortion.In the rare chance that these occur, look up and know what to do.Light to moderate bleeding can be similar to a menstrual period.If bleeding continues for a long period of time, you should seek medical assistance.It shouldn't last more than a day.It's important to know the emergency number on the rare chance that something will go wrong.
Step 11: Understand your emotional process.
Before the abortion takes place, the distress tends to be greatest.There is no wrong way to feel.Some people feel sadness, anger, and guilt.These could be mild or intense.Other people don't feel as strongly about medical procedures as they would if they were them.This is okay if you are nervous or scared.Explain your feelings to a trusted person.Talk to people who have been through the same thing.There are online support groups and forums to discuss your concerns.They need to be pro-choice forums.
Step 12: The materials should be prepared after the procedure.
Prepare for a relaxing day or two at the house after the abortion because you may want to take it easy.Make sure you have enough pads for the procedure.Your doctor may recommend pads instead of feminine hygiene products.Do your chores like laundry and grocery shopping.You might want to take it easy if you experience cramps.You can get some books, movies, and other materials together.It's possible to schedule time with loved ones to watch movies.
Step 13: If you can, get someone to escort you to the abortion clinic.
The person can give emotional support.If you are going to be snoozing during the process.You will need someone to help you get home safely if you are given medication.
Step 14: Relax from time to time.
Positively, being able to use relaxation skills is a large part.It calms you down and reduces your anxiety about the process.Take deep inhales and exhales before the procedure begins.
Step 15: Talk to people who are similar to you.
Discussing your thoughts and feelings with other people who have gone through the same situation can help alleviate your anxiety about the procedure.You can get support during the process and feel like you're not alone.If your friends have had abortions in the past, talk to them.Be careful about pro-life organizations.They may try to pressure you into having a baby.
Step 16: Don't use harmful mechanisms.
Do not use substances such as alcohol or drugs to cope.If you are dealing with difficult emotions, such as depression, grief, and loss, substances may only prolong and increase your emotional pain in the long-run.If you want to deal with negative emotions, try a variety of things, from creating art to talking to a therapist.If you fear that you will turn to harmful methods if you are overwhelmed, make an appointment with a doctor or therapist.
Step 17: Listen to the instructions.
The instructions on what to do after the procedure should be given by the clinic.The medication should be taken as directed.Take advantage of the pain killers made available to you.During the bleeding process, instructions may include the use of pads.Do not place medicine in your vagina.You may shower whenever you please.Doctors recommend that you do not have vaginal sex for a week after the procedure.You may have to rest after the procedure.
Step 18: You can easily access your after-care instructions by placing them somewhere.
Your doctor will give you information about how to take care of yourself, along with a phone number to call for any questions or concerns.
Step 19: It's a good idea to schedule a follow-up appointment.
A follow-up appointment can be scheduled in 2 to 4 weeks.
Step 20: Rest for the rest of the day.
You can usually return to regular activities the next day after an aspiration procedure.Recovery may take longer after a procedure.
Step 21: If you need them, you should take a few days to yourself.
Taking time to heal from the stress of abortion is important.At least an evening will include watching comedies, eating ice cream, and listening to music.If you can avoid it, don't take on anything new.Try painting, making music or writing.A task that is relaxing and enjoyable is what some people find helpful to feel productive.
Step 22: If you're feeling grief or other difficult emotions, make a plan for your healing journey.
An abortion can be hard for some people.Do you want to engage in any rituals or traditions?If you have a triggering event, know how to deal with it.If seeing other pregnant people makes you think negatively about the abortion, identify a positive way of dealing with the situation.You could take a deep breath and say that everyone has a choice.Others can choose to carry their pregnancies to term.I might someday want to do the same thing.
Step 23: Pay attention to your feelings.
If you feel like you're missing something, acknowledge it.Feelings of regret, sadness, or guilt can occur after an abortion.It's not a good way of dealing with negative feelings.If this is a loss of self, you should make a list of the things that make you unique.If it's a loss of a baby, you need to communicate with the entity that you feel like losing.Some people enjoy doing remembrance activities.No feeling is small.Take everything into account.It is not always necessary to be happy about having a baby or sad about an abortion.
Step 24: Accept blame or resentment.
It's possible to place blame on people that you feel are partly responsible for you becoming pregnant or making the decision to do so.Guided imagery and visualization can be used.Imagine a big spotlight in the middle of a forest clearing.If you want to confront these people about how you feel, call them into the spotlight one by one.If you feel betrayed or hurt, tell them that.Tell them that you want the piece back if you are hurt or upset.Thank them and let them go when you feel that piece filling a part of you.
Step 25: Don't forget to keep a journal.
Tracking your feelings may help you gain perspective on how you were feeling and why you made the choice you did.Write your thoughts down.Are you worried or afraid?You can cope with the abortion by writing down your feelings.
Step 26: Interpersonal support can be obtained.
Every stage of the process of ending a pregnant woman's life is supported.Many abortion centers offer post-abortion counseling or can refer you to a good counselor.The Exhale hotline is available for support.If you don't feel bad, you can visit www.imnotsorry.net.If you are having troubles, there is a wonderful community of girls going through the same thing that can help you, and guide you on the path of healing in a truly nonjudgmental and loving way.
Step 27: Thank you.
It is important to forgive in order to move on and have peace.Whether this be with your deity, your partner, or your family, forgive others and yourself.Forgiveness isn't easy, but it's not impossible.If you think forgiveness will help you, seek it from others.You can forgive yourself if you remind yourself.You can forgive your family if they feel like they helped you make the right decision.If you can, forgive the person who provided the sperm.