womenscenter.com -”where quality care is tradition”.

Unintended Pregnancy | Practical Tips to Help You Prepare For An Abortion.

Deciding to have an abortion is difficult and comes after a lot of consideration, most people may not be aware. Carrying an unwanted pregnancy to term or one with medical complications poses lots of risks while even before considering the childbirth complications.

Your visit to the abortion clinic should not be a walk into the unknown but rather walking to a place that can help you have a safe and fast abortion with all the support you need.

It may feel like it now, but you are not alone in deciding to have an abortion. About one in four women in the US will have an abortion by the age of 45.

To make your experience more comfortable and ensure you are emotionally and physically prepared before and after the abortion, here are tips to use.

1. Get informed about abortion and the options available

Knowledge is essential to put your mind at ease and help in offsetting the anxieties. Be informed of the different methods of abortion and which one applies to your present circumstances. There are about five primary methods, including the use of pills, suction, and surgical abortion.

The recovery period for most procedures is surprisingly fast and should work for you when you are pressed for time or have a busy schedule that can only give you a couple of days off. Knowing the processes and what they entail prepares you for what to expect, and you can have a comprehensive discussion with your doctor.

2. Understand that abortion is a safe medical procedure

There is plenty of myths and misinformation surrounding abortion. In reality, though, abortions are carried out daily all around the world with little if any complications. Many myths surrounding abortions make it seem dangerous and harmful to your general health and even have a high risk of fatalities.

However, abortions are safe and have way fewer risks of complications and deaths than childbirth. According to the CDC, one in 100,000 women dies from abortions conducted by a professional compared to 17.3 in 100,000 women who die from childbirth-related complications. Carrying a pregnancy to term is 12 to 14 times potentially fatal as ending it.

3. Understand the legislation guiding abortion in your state

While the laws in America generally allow abortion to happen, many states have passed legislation around their abortion laws, which may complicate your abortion process and even frustrate it. For example, you may be met by mandatory waiting periods ranging from 18 to 72 hours after counseling before having an abortion.

Your doctor may also be required by law to offer compulsory counseling, and while the information to be shared may differ by state, in most cases, it is scientifically inaccurate and meant to discourage you or guilt you into not going ahead with the abortion. Such information could be about abortion harming chances of your conceiving again or even increasing your risk of having breast cancer, all of which are not backed by any scientific evidence.

4. Do not guilt yourself that you have to feel a certain way about an abortion

There is no right way to feel about having an abortion. The feelings vary from one individual to another and can even vary across different abortions had by one person. Research has not shown any reported increase in depression or risk in psychological problems from people who have abortions. Many women report feeling relieved, and most find the experience far less scary and traumatizing than they had expected.

On the other hand, some women have reported feeling ashamed or needing to grieve after an abortion. You must allow yourself to experience these feelings without setting expectations of how you should feel if you are to move forward without any emotional issues.

5. Try to offset much of the financial stress regarding the process before having one

Having an abortion is a serious enough decision that you should not compound by having to deal with financial stress on how you will pay for it. The cost of abortion depends on how far into the pregnancy and the type of abortion you are having. It is usually more expensive after the first trimester. If you have insurance, it is essential to check if your abortion will be covered or if state regulations restrict the cover.

If you need help, you can check with the abortion clinic to see if they have a service charging less for people with lower income and even contact organizations that help with the funding of abortions to offset some of the financial burdens.

6. Abortion is a personal decision so only tell the people you want and who will be supportive

Abortion is a personal decision. It is understandable if you would want to share or keep it to yourself. Only let the people who will understand your position be in the know. You are looking for support and understanding, not opposition and criticism. You can test the waters by bringing general topics about the subject and gauging your loved one’s reactions. It is not a bad idea if you can only discuss the issue with a health professional at an abortion clinic.

7. Bring along a supportive companion if you can during the process

There is plenty of reason to have a companion during the procedure. There are practical reasons for this, including the need to have someone to drive you home, especially if you were given general anesthesia. More importantly, though, you may need someone to keep you company and offer assurance.

Choose someone who already supports your decision and will be a calming presence during the process. In case you do not have such a person, check with the health center if they can provide someone should you need one. Be sure that you can communicate clearly with your companion on what you expect, whether it is a distraction, keep you company, perform simple errands, etc.

8. Consider whether you will need the help of a mental counselor before and after the abortion

A counselor can be of great use if you face plenty of anxiety and mixed emotions concerning your decision to have an abortion. This counseling should be one you have sought on your own, not the mandatory one required by state law. The advice helps with your preparation for the procedure and your mental state after that. The counselor will help you settle any sad feeling you are having and help you deal and accept the process preventing any negative outcome on your mental health.

9. Bring distractions if you will need them as you wait in the room

There will be times during the abortion that you will need to wait. Before getting to see your doctor, it may be waiting for the pain medication to kick in or wear off or have to wait at the hospital after the procedure as the doctor checks on you. This free time can be testing and quickly filled with anxiety.

Having a source of distraction can be calming and take your mind off the process, which in turn helps prevent feelings of fear and apprehension regarding the whole process. Whether it is listening to a podcast, music, coloring, or even talking to someone will help at such a point.

10. Stock up on essentials you will need after the abortion while also bringing all the essential you will need there

It helps to be prepared with all the items that will be needed when going to an abortion clinic. You can call before the appointment date and find out all the necessary documents you need to bring. These include items like prior consultation you had, medical history if you have been treated or are on any medication, any history of allergies, and such related documents. You can use the following as a checklist for what to bring;

• Any medication you could be taking even inhalers

• Preferably a referral letter from your physician

• Information from a doctor regarding any medical condition

• Notes from any previous consultation

• Method of payment

On the other hand, you should prepare for the period after the process, buying items like maxi pads, comfortable underwear, your snacks, essential support, medical home aids to help with the cramps, and any medication you may need.

11. Research on the right clinic for your abortion

Finally, your abortion experience is mostly defined by the clinic you use. It explains why most people do leave their states for other clinics. At The Orlando Women’s Center, we understand the challenge and sensitivity of your decision. We are equipped to help make the process as smooth and fast, and you can count on our 25 years of experience, well-equipped facilities, and trained professionals to achieve precisely that.

You can contact us today by email at 24hourabortion@gmail.com or call directly on 407-245-7999. We are ready to answer all your questions and walk you through the whole process. Remember, it is your body and decision, so call us today and let us help you.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center | Abortion Clinic Orlando