When weighing your options for an unplanned pregnancy, the overwhelming feelings can seem like too much to bear on your own.
But it’s important to know that there are resources to help you navigate the pregnancy decision-making process even if you don’t have the support you had hoped for from your partner, friends, or family.
First, consider what support you do have from those around you. Then, contact Palm Beach Women’s Clinic for additional resources to fill in the gaps.
Assessing Your Support System
You need people in your life who can provide a listening ear and offer encouragement as you process the feelings of your unexpected pregnancy.
But keep in mind that sharing you’re pregnant with those closest to you can feel scary. While your family and friends may initially not seem supportive, loved ones sometimes need time to process their feelings.
As you begin to weigh your options about your pregnancy, know that others’ life experiences may impact the advice they give.
While having your family and friends discuss your options with you can be helpful, remember that it is ultimately your decision.
Post-Abortion Support
It is critical to have support as you make your pregnancy decision. However, if you have already had an abortion, you should monitor yourself for any complications and receive prompt medical care.
If you experience any of the following warning signs after a medical abortion, you should contact your doctor immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room:
- Soaking through 2 or more pads per hour for 2 hours
- Intense stomach or pelvic pain
- Fever lasting more than four hours
- Fast heartbeat
- Chills or body aches
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
You should also seek immediate medical attention if you have any of the following after a surgical abortion procedure:
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
Safeguarding Your Mental Health
Along with the physical complications caused by an abortion, terminating a pregnancy has also been associated with an increased risk of developing the following mental health issues:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Grief/feelings of loss
- Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms
According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, women who lack social support are more likely to develop post-abortive mental health issues. Finding social support following an abortion is vital, whether that be through family and friends or post-abortion recovery groups.
Find Support Today
Maybe you envisioned having an abortion and then putting it behind you and moving on with your life. However, it is critical to build a support system to help you navigate the decision-making process.
If you can’t find a support system amongst those in your life, don’t give up hope. You don’t have to face your pregnancy alone.
Palm Beach Women’s Clinic is here to help. We provide free lab-quality pregnancy tests and limited ultrasound scans, and our trusted staff can listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and discuss your options.
We can also refer you to resources for support in parenting, adoption, or abortion recovery.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
Palm Beach Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.