After an abortion, most women will be provided with an overview of what to expect during the recovery process, as well as specific advice relating to their situation. However, in addition to this overview, the following self-care tips can also be beneficial…
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Avoid physical activity
For a few weeks following the procedure, it is generally advised to avoid heavy exercise or physical strain in order to ensure the body has the chance to heal. Rest is advised, especially when women feel physically unwell or tired - as is very common. For those who would prefer to exercise, it’s best to stick to very low-impact options, such as gentle walking, cycling, or yoga, and to stop if any discomfort develops.
2
Seek emotional support
The emotional reaction to an abortion can be complex, especially due to the hormonal changes that take place within the body. Many women find that reaching out to abortion support groups is beneficial to their emotional well-being and allows them to find the assistance they need.
3
Use sanitary pads for bleeding
There can sometimes be a higher risk of infection following an abortion, so it is generally advised that sanitary pads should be used rather than tampons to manage any bleeding. Menstrual cups should also be avoided for at least two weeks.
4
Try different pain management options
Some pain is common after an abortion, so most women will need to consider some form of pain management or relief. Over-the-counter medication can (if agreed by a doctor) be useful, as can self-massage; gently massaging the lower abdomen can help reduce any pain, as well as encouraging uterine tissue to pass. Some women also find that applying heat can be beneficial.
5
Seek comfort
In an effort to aid recovery, focusing on establishing comfortable surroundings can be very beneficial. Choose to wear comfortable clothing and spend time eating favored foods, watching familiar TV shows, reading books, and anything else that helps encourage a calm, gentle recovery period.
6
Try keeping a journal
Many women find that writing a journal of their experience both of the abortion itself and the recovery process is very helpful to their well-being, as it helps to externalize their thoughts. Not everyone will find journaling useful, but it could well be worth trying just to see if doing so offers any benefits to each individual.
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