Coping with your emotions

While some women might feel relieved after terminating a pregnancy, it's also very common to feel sad, guilty, even confused, especially if you felt that at another time a baby would have been right for you. Depression and grief can also figure, and may be quite intense as your hormone levels drop back after the abortion. Try not to punish yourself, or worry that you have to go through any of this alone. Remember that they are your emotions and whatever you are feeling is fine.

Before the termination happened, you will have talked to two doctors about what to do for the best. You may have also discussed it with the father of the baby, members of your family, or family planning counsellor. All this talking would have helped you come to the decision that an abortion was in your best interest, but no matter how often - or how hard - you thought about the situation, no one can predict how you'll feel afterwards.

Keep communicating

For many women who have been through the experience, the key is to keep on talking to all those people who've helped you this far. Don't be embarrassed that you're turning to them again, or worry they'll think you've made the wrong decision because you feel this way. They'll want to help. However, you may feel happier talking to someone outside the situation. If you want to talk in confidence to a post-abortion counsellor, call Brook Advisory Centres on 0800 018 5023. They can be of help at any stage, no matter how long ago you had the abortion.

Take time

Some women take longer than others to get over terminating a pregnancy, whether it's two months, two years or longer. Everyone copes with their emotions in different ways. Some talk, others work it through on their own, but no matter how you feel, you have to face up to it, make sense of it, and deal it with it in a way that feels right to you.

Unplanned pregnancy is something nobody chooses to happen, so it's always wise to avoid risks and take precautions.

 

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