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Pre And Post-Abortion Care

by — Last updated: 2022-02-19 in Pregnancy

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How much do you know about the different abortion methods, when they are carried out, and how women who have just had an abortion need to care for themselves? This article covers the basics everyone who wants to find out more needs to know.

Before having an abortion, the abortion provider should discuss the details of the procedure with the patient in detail and ensure that she understands and gives her consent. This pre-abortion care varies from country to country and also from clinic to clinic. In some cases, it is a mere formality. In others, the pre-abortion appointment involves psychological screening.

If the patient is under 18, she may also be required to obtain the consent of a parent, both parents, or an adult in her family — again, depending on the jurisdiction. Some states in the US have no regulation on this, whereas others do.

Read More: Is Post-Abortion Syndrome Real?
Post-abortive women are likely to experience a range of emotions, from relief, hope, and liberty to sadness, regret, depression and suicidal thoughts. If, at any point after an abortion, you feel that you would benefit from counseling, it is a good idea to pursue that, as it can help you process your emotions.
 
After the abortion, the woman will be given post-procedure care instructions. They need to be followed closely to prevent complications. Women who have had an abortion are likely to bleed for around three weeks, and they should avoid inserting anything into their vagina (including tampons or having sexual intercourse) for the duration of this bleeding. Vaginal douches, baths, hot tubs and other forms of immersion are strictly discouraged as well, as they can lead to infection. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should also be avoided.
 
After an abortion, it is also important to watch out for excessive bleeding and signs of infection.

Excessive bleeding is passing large clots and soaking more than two pads within an hour, bleeding heavily for more than 12 hours, and bleeding heavily while suffering from heavy abdominal cramps. Fever, pain and abdominal tenderness, foul-smelling discharge and nausea or vomiting are signs of infection. Women who suffer from either excessive bleeding or signs of infection should call their abortion provider or head to the ER immediately.

The post-abortion period offers a good opportunity to discuss birth control options with a healthcare provider, for those women who would like to take steps to prevent pregnancy in the future. Women who want to try to become pregnant again are generally advised to wait two full menstrual cycles before doing so.