5 Things You Can Do to Prepare for Your Abortion

Patient discussing with doctor about her upcoming abortion procedure

Choosing to terminate a pregnancy is a hard but sometimes a necessary decision. For many women, determining the next step after becoming pregnant unexpectedly is a complicated process that takes a mental, emotional, and physical toll on the body and soul. Even once you’ve decided that abortion is right for your situation, it’s normal to experience some anxiety and uncertainty leading up to the procedure.

The best way to cope with your emotions during this challenging time is to trust your decision and do what you can to help yourself feel prepared. Work your way through the steps below to help prepare yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally for your upcoming abortion.

1) Research Your Options

There are a few ways to have a safe abortion. Educating yourself about what each option entails will not only help you make the right choice for your situation but will help ease your anxieties by demystifying the process. There are two types of elective abortion options to choose from.

Medical Abortion

The first option, which many qualifying women prefer, is a medical abortion. When you have a medical abortion, you’re given a series of pills to terminate your pregnancy. The first dosage is usually taken in your doctor’s office, while the second can be taken at home. Medical abortion is an early solution designed for women who are within the first nine weeks of their unwanted pregnancy. You’re taking medications that mimic a natural miscarriage. A week to two weeks after the abortion, you’ll need to go into the doctor’s office for a follow-up to ensure all the tissue is out of your uterus.

Surgical Abortion

Your second option is surgical abortion. If you’re too far along in your pregnancy for medical abortion, your doctor can terminate your pregnancy surgically. This involves removing the fetus and placenta from your uterus through your vagina with a suction device or other medical tools. Depending on factors like the fetus’s gestational age, a surgical abortion is performed under local or general anesthesia. Both medical and surgical abortions are safe and effective solutions for pregnancy termination.

2) Discuss All Questions and Concerns with Your Doctor

It would be best if you addressed any questions and concerns about your upcoming procedure with your doctor. They can help you weigh the best options for your circumstances and will give you any specific instructions you need to follow in preparation. Come up with a list of questions before your appointment, so you don’t forget to ask any when you’re there. Here are a few examples of what you might want to ask:

  • What are the risks of this abortion procedure? Can it interfere with any of my existing conditions or medications?
  • What will happen during my procedure? What do I need to bring to prepare? What does the aftercare entail?
  • What does abortion cost at your facility? Will my insurance cover any of the expenses? Are there follow-up costs? Do you have financial resources if I need help?
  • What are the laws regarding abortion in my state? Is there a mandatory ultrasound, waiting period, mental health consultation, etc.? Are you required to share any information that may not be medically accurate? (This can happen in states where abortion is more heavily restricted.)

3) Confide in Someone You Trust

couple holding hands while discussing abortion options

Deciding to tell others about your abortion is completely up to you. However, if you have a partner, friend, or family member you feel comfortable confiding in, it may help you greatly. Abortion is often an emotionally complicated experience. Having a companion by your side throughout the process can be very comforting. You don’t have to ask for any advice or opinions, merely their support. If you feel comfortable, you might even ask your trusted companion to accompany you to your procedure, drive you home, or be with you afterward.

4) Have a Post Abortion Plan

Take the day after your abortion (or the next two) off work to give yourself the time you need to rest and heal. Before your procedure, stock up on the essential comfort items you’ll likely need when you get home. A few things you’ll want to help with any physical discomfort include over-the-counter pain relief (your doctor may prescribe something as well), a heating pad for cramps, maxi pads to manage bleeding, and plenty of water and fluids to keep you hydrated. You should also grab a few items to help you relax and feel better mentally, such as your favorite snacks, a good book, movies, candles, blankets, pillows, etc.

5) Be Kind to Yourself

As you get closer to your procedure, try to let go of the idea that there’s a “right” way to feel about your decision. Let yourself feel the emotions you need to, so you can work on accepting them and moving on. It may help to journal, talk to a friend or partner, or seek a mental health counselor after your abortion.

At South Avenue Women’s Services, we provide every woman with the information and support she needs and deserves before, during, and after her abortion procedure. Our women’s healthcare specialists are compassionate and committed to meeting your needs with great care and discretion. We perform medical and surgical elective abortions at our facility and other essential procedures and wellness services every woman needs for her reproductive health.

For more information about abortion and the other services we offer, give us a call at (585)271-3850 today. You are not alone when you turn to South Avenue Women’s Services.