Had An Abortion?
Pregnant or Think You Might Be? We Can Help.
CT Women’s Center does not provide medical after-abortion care or counseling, but we can confidentially connect you with trusted post-abortion support groups and specialists.
After Abortion Support
Abortion has a deep ripple effect. You may have had an abortion in your past or your life has been profoundly affected by abortion. Counseling and after-abortion support groups can help guide you through the healing process.
These are safe and non-judgmental groups of men and women who have personally experienced abortion or have been deeply affected by this choice. If you need to talk about your abortion experience with people who care and understand, contact us confidentially today. We are here for you, we can find those groups for you.
Call (301) 325-8893 or Text (301) 325-8893 our office to get connected with Post-Abortion Healing & Support teams. We’re here to listen and help you find the right support as you begin your healing journey.
Hope and Healing
Whether you had an abortion many years ago or very recently, we understand that you may need to talk through your emotions and feelings surrounding your abortion. Reactions to an abortion vary from person to person, but everyone involved in the decision will be changed by it.
Feelings of relief, sadness, anxiety, grief and guilt are all common after an abortion. You are not alone. Let us help you find post-abortion support for women who have had abortions. You will be referred to specialists that will encourage you to speak freely about your abortion experience, in a one-on-one, confidential setting.
Taking Care Of Yourself After An Abortion
- Drink water and healthy fluids.
- Eat healthy food.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Avoid strenuous exercise and lifting heavy objects for at least one week.
- Take any antibiotics you were given for the full number of days prescribed.
- Avoid vaginal insertions for at least two weeks, including sex and tampons.
Complications & Warning Signs
- Heavy bleeding or passing large clots (larger than golf ball size).
- Bleeding that lasts more than 14 days.
- Fever over 100 degrees.
- Abdominal pain that is worse than a normal period.
- Signs of infection such as achiness and general feeling of illness.
- Vomiting that lasts more than 4 hours.
- Sudden abdominal swelling or rapid heart rate.
- Vaginal discharge that has increased in amount or smells bad.
- Pain, redness or swelling in the genital area.
Physical Effects
Your doctor or clinic should provide you with specific abortion after-care instructions. Most women experience some of the following after an abortion:
- Bleeding – on average bleeding lasts 14 days but can last up to 21 days.
- Cramping
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea/Vomiting
These symptoms typically resolve within a week but may take longer. If symptoms persist or become severe, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor.
One of the most common complications associated with abortion is infection. This can be caused by incomplete abortion or exposure to bacteria vaginally, such as by having sex too soon. You can reduce the risk of infection by waiting to have sex and using pads instead of tampons.
Symptoms of infections include strong-smelling vaginal discharge, fever, and severe pelvic pain. Untreated infections can result in pelvic inflammatory disease, so call your doctor for treatment as soon as you notice symptoms.
Other potential complications that a woman may experience after an abortion include:
- Incomplete or failed abortion, in which the baby is still viable or was not fully evacuated from the womb. This can cause serious medical complications.
- Uterine perforation, which has symptoms of severe abdominal pain, bleeding, and fever.
- Septic shock, which has symptoms that include fever, chills, abdominal pain, and low blood pressure.
Some symptoms can indicate an emergency complication stemming from your abortion. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek emergency medical care:
- Fever
- Excessively heavy bleeding (as discussed above)
- Strong-smelling vaginal discharge
- Chills
- Severe abdominal pain
Reversal Options
If you have taken the first dose of the pill and are experiencing doubts about your abortion, it may be possible to reverse your abortion. Every hour since your first dose of the abortion pill matters, so it’s important to call the Abortion Reversal Hotline at 877-558-0333 as soon as possible.
Post-Abortion Symptoms
If you or someone you care about has experienced abortion in the past, feelings of regret or depression can unexpectedly surface. To determine if a past abortion is impacting your life, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you feel reluctant to talk about abortion, or do you feel guilt, anger, or sorrow when discussing your own abortion?
- Do you have lingering feelings of resentment or anger toward people involved in your abortion decision?
- Are you dealing with excessive anxiety, sadness, or anger?
- Do you tend to think of your life in terms of before and after the abortion?
- Do you have nightmares or flashbacks related to your abortion?
- Have you started using or increased your use of drugs or alcohol since the abortion?
- Have you developed an eating disorder?
If you answered yes to more than one of these questions, you may want to consider seeking post-abortion support. Call (301) 325-8893 or Text (301) 325-8893 our office to be referred to a Post-Abortion Support team. We’re dedicated to helping you connect with trustworthy post-abortion support so you can begin healing in a healthy, compassionate space.
Contact Us
Find us
CT Women’s Center
12247 Georgia Ave
Silver Spring, MD 20902
Feeling Pressured?
You are the only one who can choose the outcome of your unplanned pregnancy. You should not allow anyone to force you into a decision or allow yourself to make the decision out of pressure by the many stressors that may be impacting you. Abortion is a long term decision, and irreversible if you change your mind too late or without proper information. Our staff wants to support you as you explore your options. If you’re feeling pressured, visit CT Women’s Center first.
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