What's it like after you have an abortion?

Question

My friend is going in on saturday to have an abortion and she was wondering if she would be able to do something afterward to help herself feel better about everything. Is there someone who has had one who can tell me what you feel like afterward?

Answer 1

She is going to be in pain. It sucks, but it is a simple fact. How much pain depends on the type of abortion, her age and overal health. I know that is pretty generic, but it is the best ans I gan give without seeing her or her chart.

The standard way of doing abortions (or TOP's) in our state is suction. In order to do that we have to prolapse the uterus (basically pull it out of the vagina or as close to it as possible, place an instument called a "sounding tool" or a probe in the cervical os (opening into the womb) to determine the right approach. Then when we finish, we replace the cervix and suture any tears made. 9 out of 10 times we do not tear anything and there is no need to sew.

We normally prescribe 600-800mg of ibuprofen. If she wants, she can ask the doc to prescribe something stronger.

Pain though, usually isnt the issue. If she is really a true friend, make sure you are there for her whenever she needs you. The psychological impact may be very signifigant, and her recovery, both physical and mental is going to depend on her support network.

In any case, I wish her the best

Answer 2

I don't think you are asking about physical issues but rather mental and emotional ones. I've had two in my lifetime and had only a moment, a pang of regret both times. Some women experience depression and guilt.

Talk with your friend before Saturday about her reasons for doing this. Just let her talk. She should be prepared for some kind of reaction afterward. She may second guess her decision. This is normal. If she wants to cry, she can cry. It's okay. This was a major decison. Keep telling her the reasons why she had the abortion. She should recover in time. If she seems to fall into a depression she can't climb out of, she will need counselling to help her resolve the guilt and/or depression. Please tell her I understand, I wish her well and if she wants to contact me directly, she can at [e-mail]. You are an awesome friend.

Answer 3

I lost a baby at 12 weeks and had to get a D&C done, so it can't be much different that experiencing minor cramping, some bleeding for about 1-2 weeks (like a period), after that, a lot of clear or off white discharge as your tissues heal. You usually get percocets or something similar afterwards for the pain if you have a good doctor. Then, you may notice a minor fluctuation in your normal menstrual cycle for the next few months until your body re-adjusts, and after that, you are back to normal. If you notice any fever, smelly discharge or crippling pain, call your doctor immedialtely or go to the ER to be screened, this is a sure fire sign of an infection.

Answer 4

You do feel a sense of loss and it is hard for awhile because you never know if you made the right decision. At the same time you are almost relieved because it would be so life altering to keep a baby, tell family and friends, and change your life around. Just keep her spirits up and be there when she needs to talk. Thats the best you can do. She will get through this if you keep her mind off it. Take her shopping, or out to lunch ect...do not let her dwell on the decision.

Answer 5

She may not feel like doing anything. Everyone is different. They will tell her she can go to work the same day and do normal things. Nothing strenuous. Nothing can go inside of her vagina for 4weeks. Which means, NO SEX no tampons nuthin! This is to prevent infection which can cause a lot of problems for her. Cramping, a lot of it. Spotting afterwards, which can last for weeks. Depends on her feelings, she may feel regret, loss, depression, anxiety, loss of sex drive...a lot of things...it's a roller coaster I'm sure. The emotional pain will go away, but the act never will. You are a good friend.

If it's you that is geting one, I hope the friend that is taking you is a very good supporting friend you will need one.

Answer 6

please tell her she will regret. I know life seems hard right now and that it is the only way. But after awhile she will not be able to imagine life with out the baby. Or give it up for adoption years from know when she has a family she wonder what this special gift would be like. I will pray for your friend and for you to be able to just be a good supportive friend.

Answer 7

i think of we could continually supply of venture for toddler to be born. Human and animals alike.. nature have a thank you to regulate them (incredibly for animals). i've got not got a puppy atm, yet there are a team of stray cats in my complicated that help to regulate the rat inhabitants (and lizard, they each and every so often consume them).

Answer 8

Well couple of things:

1- Though rate of complications is very low, but still they can happen like bleeding or infection.
2- Emotional stress of lossing a fetus, so talk about it and be prepared.

Wiseman

Answer 9

she should go jump off a mountain! or Cliff or just go shoot herself, god damn baby killer! She should be put in prison!!!!
TweetyBird is a baby killer!! You will all rot in hell bitches for killing your children there are SOO many people out there that could care for your unborn children...Put it up for adoption!!!! You all deserve what you get for getting abortions!

Answer 10

She will rot in hell for killing another human being. She deserves whatever she gets.