Contrary to popular belief, several women, when they find out they are pregnant, it isn’t good news. It may be that they were using contraception that failed or simply don’t want to have a baby now or ever.
This can be an emotionally challenging time, but should you choose to undertake a termination, there are a few things you can do to make it easier on yourself. Below are some things explored.
Choose a Licensed Provider
The abortion of a fetus is a delicate procedure that needs a lot of planning and aftercare. So, you’ll need to find a licensed provider before you do anything else. If you go to your primary care doctor, they’ll be able to refer you to a treatment center. Or, if you’re going privately, you should ask your doctor for a suitable clinic near you.
These abortion clinics are staffed by medical professionals who are fully trained in the process and aftercare, ensuring you are kept safe and well. If you have any concerns before or after the procedure, please call them; they’ll be glad to help you.
DID YOU KNOW?
6 out of 10 of all unintended pregnancies end in an induced abortion.
Stock Up on Supplies
Having to abort isn’t without an amount of physical discomfort, which many females compare to extreme menstrual cramping. So, before you attend the appointment, make sure that you’re stocked up on a few essentials.
These will include pain relief, heavy flow/nighttime menstrual pads (it isn’t advised to use cups or tampons post-termination), and iron tablets. Whereas it can be unusual, several women experience anemia post-procedure. If you suspect that you have anemia after the process, talk to your doctor.
Learn About the Process
Typically, there are two types of termination you can access: medical and surgical. The medical procedure is the most common and involves taking two tablets 24 hours apart, which will end the pregnancy.
This is most effective when performed in the first 12 weeks, but, in some cases, it can cause part of the pregnancy to be left in the uterus, which will require a D&C, or dilation and curettage procedure to remove.
The next is a surgical one, which will require you to be given a general anesthetic and will involve abortion via surgical access through the cervix. This can be done in earlier pregnancies but is also effective in the late stages.
Thought-Provoking News
Around 45% of all abortions are unsafe, of which 97% take place in developing countries.
Talk to Someone
Even if you 100% don’t want to get pregnant and are adamant that now isn’t the right time to have children, it can still be very emotionally difficult to abort a fetus.
Indeed, many people who have undertaken the procedure report feeling a range of difficult emotions, ranging from sadness to guilt. These are tough to get through alone, so it can be worth talking to the one in confidence about what you’ve been through.
Many centers that offer terminations can provide counseling to women pre- and post-process, allowing them to work through these emotions. It can also be worth telling a trusted friend or family member so they’ll be there to help you when you’re not attending therapy.
Assess Contraceptive Options
Over 50% of pregnancy terminations are undertaken because the contraceptive option that was being used has failed. In most cases, this is the contraceptive pill, which can be ineffective if it isn’t taken at the same time every day or if you become unwell.
Conclusion
It’s wise to talk to your OB-GYN or primary care doctor about birth control options that have a better success rate than the one you were using at the time you got pregnant.
A number of women opt to have a coil or IUD fitted, some people choose to use more than one type of birth prevention, and several decide to have hormonal implants fitted into their arms. Mind that there is also a risk of experiencing anemia post-procedure.
