By Graci D’Amore, Program & Operations Coordinator at Jane’s Due Process
While it can be difficult to anticipate what to expect after you’ve taken misoprostol (the second medication of the medical abortion process) or after the surgical procedure but we have come up with some ways to make you feel more comfortable and prepared for the process.
Decide who will be your support person during your abortion.
This could be your partner, friend or family member. Think is this person going to make me feel comfortable? Will this person be able to listen to and respect your needs throughout the process? If you decide that you would prefer some solitude at this time, at least have someone in mind that you can call if you need anything (i.e. food, comfort, a back massage, a laugh or in case of an emergency).
If you do decide to have someone with you, think about what kind of role you want them to play. You are the expert when it comes to your health and your comfort, whatever you feel is best is the right way to go!
Before your abortion appointment, pick up:
Heating pad: This can relieve the cramping when you place it over your uterus or lower belly. Don’t have one? You could put uncooked rice in a sock, tie the end and heat it up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes–repeat the last step as needed.
Snacks: You shouldn’t take the medications on an empty stomach so we recommend having some chips or crackers handy. You may be hungrier later on too, so either meal prep ahead of time or get things that are easy to make like soup, salad or sandwich. It’s also good to stay hydrated so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water, and things like Gatorade and coconut water are delicious too! Even some calming tea can bring some comfort.
Pads: You want to get the thick overnight pads as a way to monitor your bleeding and make sure you’re ok, you also can’t put anything in your vagina for 2 weeks including tampons. It may feel pretty bulky and weird but you want to have these on hand before the abortion so you don’t have to run to the store later.
Thermometer: You can usually get a thermometer for $2. This is a good way to make sure you aren’t running a fever. If you get a fever this is an indication that there might be an infection.
Ibuprofen: Talk to your doctor to see if this is the right medication for you to take for cramping and read the label for instructions.
Before you leave the clinic, make sure you have your aftercare instructions.
These instructions should be provided by your doctor and will have important information like how much is too much bleeding, ways to manage the cramping, what counts as an emergency and a phone number to call the doctor if an emergency does happen.
Once you leave the clinic, pick up the medications prescribed by your doctor or have your support person pick them up for you.
Additional suggestions:
Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask your doctor or nurse at the clinic any questions that come up for you ahead of time — there are no stupid questions.
Also, it can be helpful to think about how you want to spend your time over the next 4-8 hours. Do you want to binge watch Parks and Rec or Doctor Who, or you have a few movies you’ve been wanting to see? Have these movies queued up!
Finally, remember: there is no right or wrong thing to do or how to feel during this. The important thing is that you feel informed and comfortable.
