Brenda Goodnough, RN - February 10th, 2010
After a surgical or chemical abortion there are some basic things you can do to help in your recovery. You may feel physically fine after your procedure but you will need to take safety measures to ensure that you do not experience complications.
1. Drink plenty of fluids.
2. Limit activity for a few days.
3. Take the antibiotics given to you until they are gone.
4. No exercise for two weeks.
5. No swimming or tub baths for two weeks.
6. Don’t use anything vaginally for two weeks. (This includes sex, douching, or using tampons.)
7. Avoid heavy lifting, anything over 15 lbs, for two weeks.
8. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection:
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Fever over 100 degrees that does not respond to medication and lasts for more than a couple of hours.
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Bleeding that is heavier than a normal period with large clots and bright red blood.
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Severe cramping.
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Foul smelling discharge.
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Dizziness, fainting or nausea.
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Bleeding from IV site.
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Abdominal swelling or tenderness.
If you develop any of these symptoms, see your medical provider as soon as possible. If you cannot reach your physician do not hesitate to go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation.
It is very important that you are examined around two weeks after your abortion. If you find it difficult to return to the clinic where your procedure was performed, then seek medical attention elsewhere.
Once you have recovered physically there is still emotional healing that needs to take place. The “blues” are not uncommon after an abortion. Some women report feeling relieved after their procedure, but many do not. If you continue to experience emotional difficulties as time passes, you may want to seek help to deal with post abortion stress. There are several good programs that will help you deal with the feelings, such as Restore.
It is very important to allow yourself the time and care to heal from an abortion. This can be a period of physical and emotional upheaval. Being proactive in the healing process will pay off in restoring you in both areas more quickly and completely
Cara B. - February 3rd, 2010
Along this little journey called “decision-making” we’ve gone through several steps: embracing the reality of our situations, gathering information, and including others into the process. So, what’s next? Action.
4. Move forward. After all things have been considered, you can make a decision that you can stand behind. Anyone who is facing a major life decision would do the same. Even when you make a big purchase or consider a career change, similar steps are involved—recognizing the need, searching for information, and considering alternatives. ONLY after all these steps are complete can a proper decision be made. It is even more important to follow through with this process when you are facing pregnancy.
5. Evaluate your decision. What will the outcomes be? Will there be anything you might later regret? We never want you to find yourself in this stage. That is why it is important that you follow through the entire process and consider the implications of each option—abortion, adoption or parenting. If for some reason, after following all these steps, you still choose something you regret, there are people who will help. Although you can’t undo what’s been done, there are places for support and healing. Whether you are struggling to arrange for childcare, having trouble transitioning into your adoption plan, or dealing with sadness after an abortion—there are resources and services that will fit your individual situation and help you through whatever difficulties you may be facing.
So, yes, there’s a big decision lying before you and more than likely, it won’t be a painless one. But before you get completely overwhelmed, understand that there are steps you can take to make it easier than you might expect. Unfortunately, those 2 lines won’t be erased and the fact that you’re pregnant won’t go away. However, you aren’t alone in navigating this process. There are many people who would love to walk with you through this journey. So, step forward, consider your options and talk to someone who cares.
Cara B. - January 27th, 2010
Last blog entry we talked about facing the reality of our situations during an unplanned pregnancy and embracing the decision-making process. Well, once the truth has time to sink in, what happens next?
2. Get all the information necessary to make your decision. There are many caring pregnancy centers which will provide information and resources needed to make your decision. (To find one in your area check out www.optionline.org.) If you live in DuPage County, please utilize PregnantHelp’s hotline or live chat to make an appointment at one of our locations. We have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information in regards to abortion, adoption, and parenting. We can help you sort through your options and will listen as you voice your concerns, questions, and difficulties. Getting all of the information isn’t just about having the right resources or materials. It also includes bringing people that are important to you into your decision making process—family, friends, and your significant other. Talk this over with them and see what help and support they are able to offer you. However, no matter what advice you receive, remember at the end of the day it’s YOUR decision to make. You are the one who will be ultimately responsible and therefore, you must come to terms personally with the choice you will make. You will want to make a decision you can stand behind for the rest of your life.
3. Next, evaluate all of your options. Sit down and think things through. DON’T RUSH! Many women feel the need to make a decision immediately, and don’t give themselves time to fully think everything through. Don’t let yourself fall into this category. Give yourself some time to allow things to settle. At the beginning, emotions and confusion are high and these can influence your decision. Don’t let the amount of information or opinions you receive become overwhelming. Consider the pros and cons of each option. Ask questions. Seek more counsel. Then after all is said and done you can feel like you’ve really considered the outcomes and responsibility involved. Don’t let a lack of resources stand in the way of what you decide. Some women are afraid to make a decision based on the fact that they don’t have enough money, support, or time. There are several agencies, groups, and organizations that would love to help with your situation. Make your decision based on what YOU feel is right to do. You can contact your local pregnancy center to receive information on these resources.
Keep your eyes peeled for our next blog. We’ve gone through the process of gathering all the necessary information and including our loved ones in the decision-making process. Now, it’s time for action!
Cara B. - January 20th, 2010
You take a test and—two lines. Uh oh. Even the outcome is what you suspected, it might still be difficult to face. Suddenly, you are overwhelmed with all sorts of thoughts and emotions. “What do I do?” “I never expected this to happen.” “How could this be?” “We were careful.” “I can’t do this right now.” As a woman, each of us faces a unique situation with very different circumstances, yet everyone has to go through the same decision process. There are three paths before you—abortion, adoption, and parenting. How will you navigate through all the options, feelings, and pressures? Here are some tips many have found useful in making the decision process go more smoothly.
1. Face the reality of the situation. See your circumstances for what they are. Perhaps this is an unplanned pregnancy. Unfortunately, you can’t wish away the positive test. You must embrace it and recognize that you now have a decision to make. Although the reality of your situation might be overwhelming at times, you aren’t alone in this process. There are numerous compassionate and thoughtful professionals that can help you sort through this decision and give you the resources you need.
Next blog entry we’ll be discussing resources and organizations that can help with your decision making process. Check it out to see who you can connect with to receive the support and information you need.
Lisa P. - December 16th, 2009
1. They deserve to know. Even if you are terminating the pregnancy, plan to tell them before you go for the procedure. Your decision to abort should be a choice based on facts, and the facts include your parents’ response to your pregnancy—not just their “expected” response.
2. They should hear it from you. As painful as it might be to tell them, it will be worse if they have to guess, or find out from another source.
3. Help them respect your decision. If you’ve already made your choice, describe how you came to that conclusion. When they can follow your line of reasoning, they will be more likely to accept your conclusion. Also, they will trust your conclusion more if they see you’ve put thought into it and done your research. Ideally, when you respect your parents by telling them what’s going on, they will respect your wishes in this matter and support your decision.
4. Let them voice their concerns. Since they’ve listened to you, try to listen to them. It’s easy to get defensive if they have questions, but hang on to a little objectivity. If your dad had concerns about the car you were considering buying, you’d want to know about them, right? If you don’t agree, you don’t have to act on it.
5. They should not pressure you. Legally it is your decision. Practically, of course, there are subtle (and not-so-subtle) means of coercion. If you are being pressured, reach out for help. Social services organizations like CareNet may be able to assist you. If there is any kind of abuse involved, tell someone right away.
CareNet is happy to talk with you, your parents, or your family together. We provide information on each of the options and referrals for medical care, family counseling, and other community agencies.
