If you’re pregnant and considering abortion, surgical abortion is an option. This procedure is typically performed later in a woman’s pregnancy. It uses medication, surgical instruments, and suctioning to remove pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
Physical recovery from a surgical abortion depends on your pain tolerance and any side effects or risks you may have. Every woman’s emotional reaction differs; we’ll walk you through feelings you may experience.
Side Effects of Surgical Abortion
Common side effects of surgical abortion include abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which can range from mild to severe.
You may or may not experience risks from this procedure. The chances of these risks developing are low but may increase if you’ve had a procedure performed in an unsanitary environment or with improper medical tools. The likelihood of risks increases the further along you are, too.
They include:
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Damage to the cervix
- Perforation of the uterus
The best way to ensure your physical recovery goes as smoothly as possible is to attend regular follow-up visits with your healthcare provider. Seek immediate medical treatment if you feel something is out of the ordinary or experience symptoms like excessive bleeding or fever. You must protect your health.
How Will I Feel After an Abortion?
Every woman reacts differently to an abortion. Some may feel relief, while others can experience various negative emotions. Research has shown that women may experience emotional struggles such as:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Grief
- Feelings of loss
- Substance use disorder
- Suicidal ideation
Your emotional reaction to an abortion depends on various factors, such as your personal or religious beliefs about abortion and whether you faced outside pressure to abort. If you are struggling after an abortion, seek professional counseling with someone trained in post-abortion recovery. Your local pregnancy center may also offer support and counseling services.
Engage in self-care activities, and be sure to get plenty of rest. Your emotional health matters as much as your physical health, and you deserve healing from abortion.
Confidential and Free of Charge Support
Chester County Connect Care offers after-abortion support and reproductive loss counseling. You should never feel alone when on your recovery journey.
Request an appointment today to learn more. We’re here for you.