This article includes advice for people who are struggling to cope. If you feel fine, then much of it won’t apply to you. This doesn’t mean that you’re “abnormal,” just that everyone experiences abortion differently. If you’re really struggling, it may help to take a week off from work or school to focus on your own health.

3-6 weeks of bleeding or spotting (though some people don’t bleed at all) Passing small or medium blood clots Painful cramps, typical than or slightly stronger than what you get during your period Tender, swollen breasts Fatigue

Dizziness or fainting Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea for more than a day Soaking through 2 or more maxi pads in an hour for 2 hours in a row Passing more than 1 clot larger than a golf ball Signs of an allergic reaction (such as struggling to breathe) A fever for several hours Chills Serious cramps that don’t improve despite heating pads and over-the-counter medication A strange smell coming from the vagina Feeling pregnant after 2 weeks Thoughts of self harm or suicide

Many people can return to regular activities the day after the abortion. [8] X Research source However, if you don’t feel up to it, take a day or two off.

You may feel tired or exhausted for the first few days after your abortion. [10] X Research source Take it easy.

Avoid penetrative sex or inserting things into the vagina for 1-2 weeks. Don’t swim for 1-2 weeks. Use sanitary pads (not tampons) during your next period. Skip bath bombs, perfumes, oils, and other additions to bathwater. Don’t douche for 1-2 weeks (or ever, ideally).

If the pain is unbearable, or it doesn’t go away after a few days, call a doctor.

Meat Eggs Dried apricots and figs Leafy greens Beans (especially black beans) Lentils Beets Eggs

Flowers Heating pad or hot water bottle Candles or natural light Aromatherapy Favorite music Funny animal videos Snuggle time with a pet or loved one Whatever helps you relax and feel good

For cramp relief, massage the cramped area or your lower back. If you’re shy about asking for a massage, offer to take turns massaging each other.

If symptoms don’t improve after a day or two, if they’re unbearable, or if you’re having thoughts about hurting yourself, see a doctor.

Recovering from an abortion is particularly difficult if you were a prospective parent whose baby couldn’t survive. Burying the baby you never got to meet is a horrible experience. Expect recovery to take time, and remember that none of this is your fault.

If you feel conflicted about aborting the fetus, try expressing your feelings about it. Write a letter, paint a picture, create music, or do something else to express your feelings about or to the fetus. Tell the fetus how you feel, like “I hope your spirit can find a better home” or “I wish I could have been your parent, but I wasn’t ready to raise you the way you deserve. "

What do you feel is your purpose in life? How can you contribute to society? Work on these goals.

Good people make bad choices sometimes. If you made a few bad choices, that doesn’t make you a bad person. Tell yourself “I did the best I could in a difficult situation. I can’t undo the past, but I can learn from it. " If you feel like you did a bad thing by getting an abortion, write a list of some good things you could do: volunteering, helping out your family members, editing wiki articles on a subject you’re familiar with, et cetera. Commit to learning from what happened and using this information to make more thoughtful decisions in the future.

You don’t have to tell someone if you think they would react badly. This is about what happened to you, and you are not obligated to tell anyone if you don’t want to. If someone reacts badly, don’t argue. Say “I’m sorry you feel that way” and end the conversation. You are not required to justify your decision to them, and getting into a heated argument isn’t helpful to anyone. Take some space from somebody if needed.

Talk to your partner, if you have one. If you need them to just listen and validate your feelings, ask. It may help to ask about their feelings about this. Your partner, too, may be feeling a range of emotions (from strong emotions to nothing in particular) and may or may not need to process them.

Tell people how they can support you. If they feel worried about you, they’ll feel better if they can help you. Do you want a heating pad, a back rub, just someone to spend time with you? Ask. Both of you might feel better for it.

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