8 ways to mentally and physically prepare for your abortion procedure
If you’ve made your decision, seen your medical professional and have decided that abortion is the best option for you – then the next step is getting ready for your procedure.
There are many ways to help to prepare yourself for your abortion, here are a few to help you to know what to do before an abortion.
- Ask questions about the type of abortion you are having
Whether you are having a surgical procedure, or an abortion pill, it is important that you know which one you are having. Ask your medical professional about your abortion and what it entails.
- Be clear on what you need to do, or not do, before your procedure and what to bring with you
Depending on the type of abortion and anesthetic you are having, you may not be able to eat or drink for a certain time before your operation. Make sure you know what your guidelines are around this before your operation day.
Also what clothes do you need and how long will you be in the hospital for? This way you can prepare your bag of what to pack and what to bring with you.
- Try to let go of what you think you “should” feel about your abortion procedure
As part of your abortion preparation, don’t think too hard about how you think you should be feeling. Everyone is different, and each person comes to need an abortion for different reasons. Acknowledge how you feel and if you need to talk it through with a counselor, the Abortion Hospital offers counselling services if you want to speak to someone about what you are feeling.
- Stock up food, medications, pads and water for after your abortion
It is advised to take the day off for the day of your abortion and perhaps a day or so afterwards. You can go back to work the day after your abortion, depending on your job, but it is best to discuss this with your medical professional. However, when you get home from the hospital you will be tired and maybe a little bit sore. It is better if everything you need is at home already, so you are not needing to go out and get anything and you can relax at home.
- Consider bringing along a supportive friend or family member
You may need someone to get you home safely after your procedure, depending on the type of anesthetic you have. If you aren’t having that type of general anesthetic, you may not need someone but it is advisable to have a supportive companion with you. They can offer love, support and can get you little things you may need.
- Advise your friend/family member what you would like them to do
In your abortion preparation it is good to think about what you would like the person accompanying you to do once you are at the hospital – talk to you and distract you? Be quiet and just be a supportive presence? Do you just need them there for a ride home?
It will help your preparation if you are clear with them of what you think you will need. It may change once you are there, but it will help you both if you have these conversations before the time.
- Consider talking to a counselor before and/or after your abortion
You can prepare for your abortion procedure by talking through your decision with a qualified counselor. They can help you to be sure of your decision and work through any emotions you may be feeling.
- Remember this is your body and your decision
You have chosen this procedure for your reasons, and it is important to remember these reasons when emotions get high or others may have a say about your choice. You know the reasons why you have chosen this procedure and as your abortion preparation it is important that you are clear as to why this is right for you and your body.
There are many other things you can do to prepare for your abortion but it is important to be educated and know what is going to happen during your procedure and how to look after yourself thereafter.
Abortions done in medical facilities, like the Abortion Hospital in Bangalore India, and by qualified, experienced health professionals are safe with very few side effects. However, preparing yourself, your mind, your body and your home for your aftercare are great steps to make this procedure to go as easily as possible.
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