Medical termination of pregnancy, also known as an abortion, is a crucial step for a couple to manage their family planning. There could be multiple reasons why abortion is performed;the most common one is non-emotional or financial stability or because of health complications to both mother and baby. In such cases, the cost of abortion using pill must not be considered as the health and life of the mother and the child are more important.
There are two kinds of abortions performed: a private medical abortion in London and a private surgical abortion in London. In both cases, the mother could deal with multiple emotions at the same time: grief, relief,loss, anger and betrayal – which could cause depression, if not treated in time. Therefore, self-care is essential to cope up with the psychological distress that follows an abortion. The patient must care for her body and mind so that she can have a baby when she’s ready.
What happens during an abortion?
Regardless of the abortion procedure followed, women are expected to experience similar symptoms. She might have heavy bleeding for at least three weeks, pass small to medium-sized blood clots, experience heavy abdominal cramping and have swollen or painful breasts. She should return to her regular menstrual cycle within four to eight weeks, but the flow might vary.
Mucous discharge between brown, black and colourless is common. Cramping is necessary for the uterus to return to its original size, along with clotting and bleeding. Counter the cramping with heating pads, rest, ibuprofen and drinking warm liquids.
It is normal to have mood swings or feel emotional after an abortion. This could be due to the sudden change in pregnancy hormones. It could be due to their mixed feelings regarding the ending of their pregnancy, which contributes to fatigue and nausea as well. Also, you can get pregnant again soon after getting an abortion. Use condoms and birth control, or refrain from sexual contact to avoid a second pregnancy.
What are the possible complications after an abortion?
Generally speaking, abortions performed under a qualified, experienced, and licenced medical professional are safe procedures with few complications. However, serious complications can arise, such as infections, incomplete abortions, uterine perforations, and septic shock. Reduce the risk by using sanitary napkins instead of menstrual cups and tampons and refraining from sexual contact.
Other symptoms the signify complications are foul-smelling vaginal discharge, severe abdominal or pelvic pain,fever, excessively heavy bleeding (for example, soaking through one maxi pad in an hour), thoughts self-harm, difficulty in breathing and chills.
How to care for yourself after an abortion?
Before going for an abortion, arrange for a drive home from the clinic. Speak to your private abortion clinic in London about your medical history, any medication, physical examinations, ultrasounds, plans for future pregnancies, birth control, possible side effects and – most importantly, if you want to go ahead with the abortion. Have an emergency contact who can take you to the abortion clinic in London for follow-up appointments and prepare for bleeding, cramping and possible surgery.
Rest well
After an abortion, take complete bed rest to let the body recover and reduce the possibility of side effects. Use sanitary napkins to absorb the bleeding and blood clots, avoid penetrative sex and swimming pools, and putting inside the vagina for a couple of weeks.
Perform gentle exercise
You can resume regular exercise after a couple of days but do not perform anything strenuous. Avoid excruciatingly tiring exercises or work that involves heavy lifting.
Practice safe sex
Use birth control, condoms or refrain from sexual contact. Do not douche,which risks the chances of infection and pelvic inflammatory disease.You must maintain a gap of six months to a year before conceiving again, which will allow your body to recover completely.
Body massage and hot bags
Massage your abdomen, palms and feet with warm sesame or mustard oil to emit heat and reduce cramping. Hot bags or heating pads absorb the pain as well but don’t apply anything cold.
Manage emotional stress
If you experience depression after your abortion, ask for help from family, friends and therapists.
Don not panic in case of delayed periods
Due to hormonal imbalances and blood loss, you might experience delayed periods. If you take good care of yourself, you will regain your periods a couple of months after the abortion.
Maintain a healthy diet
Consume dry ginger, sesame seeds, dry fruits, milk, garlic and green leafy vegetable. Avoid raw bananas, potatoes, bottle gourd, junk food and sugary drinks. To counter dehydration, consume lukewarm water for hydration and avoiding constipation. Take multivitamins such as calcium and iron to regain energy.
Attend follow-up appointments
Visit your private gynaecologist in London after one week for physical examinations,low human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels, anaemia, ultra soundand birth control methods.
Though abortions are safe procedures, you must care for yourself to maintain good health and improve the chances of future pregnancies. If you are looking for private pregnancy termination clinics, contact us at Well Women Clinic.