How to Recover from an Abortion

Abortion recovery is crucial for women's physical and mental well-being. After an abortion, women may experience a variety of symptoms and even need further medical assistance. Abortion recovery is important and should not be dismissed. Improve abortion recovery by taking these steps toward full healing.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Physical Recovery After an Abortion

1. Drink plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated. If you have had excessive blood loss, it is especially important to drink fluids and nourish your body to speed your recovery.
2. Rest as much as possible. Physically and emotionally, your body has been through a difficult experience and needs to recover.
3. Take any antibiotics and pain killers as prescribed. Be sure to finish the entire course of antibiotics.
4. Monitor your health. If you do not feel well, develop a fever, or have any symptoms outside of ordinary health, get medical assistance.
5. Avoid exercise or heavy lifting for two weeks to speed post-abortion recovery.
6. Schedule a visit with your OB-GYN as a follow up to ensure your body is recovering well from the abortion.

Emotional, Psychological and Spiritual Recovery after Abortion

7. Find non-judgmental abortion recovery assistance. Learn about Post-Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) and take a quiz to see if you might be suffering from PASS.
8. Realize that it is normal to feel a sense of loss, emptiness, sadness and conflicting emotions weeks and years after an abortion.
9. Find someone or several people to be your support team. You may have a trusted relative, compassionate friend, or understanding pastor who can help you with your abortion recovery. Otherwise, or perhaps in addition, join an online structured abortion recovery support group such as the ones offered at the After Abortion website. These small groups, led by someone who has been through the abortion recovery program, are a structured method to aid you in your emotional and psychological recovery.
10. Read self-help books. Read "Does Anyone Else Feel Like I Do? And Other Questions Women Ask Following an Abortion" by Pam Koerbel or "Do Not Lose Hope: Healing the Wounded Heart of Women Who Have Had Abortions" by William F. Maestri for inspirational stories of recovery after abortion as well as information to help you on your journey.
11. Contact Project Rachel at the Hope After Abortion website for post-abortion counseling and to learn about Project Rachel's abortion recovery retreats. Consider attending an abortion-recovery retreat to help yourself heal.
12. Consider individual counseling. Find a counselor experienced at dealing with those suffering from PASS. Search for a provider through the Abortion Recovery Counseling site.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use tampons or have sex for four weeks after an abortion. Your body needs to heal.