Finding out that you are pregnant when it was not expected can be really scary. Maybe you are not ready to become a mother, or maybe you have health problems that do not allow you to carry on with your pregnancy safely. If you have to stop, abortion can be a solution. Know the possible risks and always put your health and safety first.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Evaluate the Options
Step 1. Confirm that you are pregnant
Missing a period is commonly a pregnancy symptom, but it is not certain. If you are delayed, you may suspect that you are pregnant, particularly if you also have nausea or sore breasts. If you plan on expecting a baby, buy a home pregnancy test. Many are considered accurate and can be found safely in the pharmacy.
- If you are a student, the school nurse should be able to get you one.
- If the test is positive, you will need to receive further confirmation from your doctor. As good as a disposable test may be, laboratory tests provide a much more accurate diagnosis. Make an appointment as soon as possible.
Step 2. See a doctor
Once you get confirmation that you are pregnant, you will most likely have many questions; in this case the gynecologist is a great resource. Pregnancy causes very significant physical changes. Even if you have planned to stop it, you should ask what to expect.
- You will be given a general physical exam and, possibly, a blood draw and an ultrasound.
- Ask to calculate the weeks of pregnancy. In many countries, the law imposes limits on when to have an abortion. Typically, the break is safe if done in the first trimester.
Step 3. Consider your options
Getting pregnant unintentionally can be a frustrating experience. You may feel confused and scared. Take a few days to reflect on the various possibilities. If you have a friend or family member you trust, don't be afraid to ask them for advice. You need to think about what's best for you and your health.
- You essentially have three options: you can keep the baby, give it up for adoption, or have an abortion.
- Even if you know what to do, still talk to someone who can advise you. Abortion (and the decision to do it) can be a very challenging experience. Talking to a psychologist can help you manage emotions. Ask the clinic doctor if there is anyone on the staff you can talk to.
- If possible, you might want to talk to the baby's father to help you make a decision. But legally, the choice is up to you.
Method 2 of 3: Undergo the Procedure
Step 1. Find the most appropriate health center
Once you have decided to have an abortion, you need to make sure you go to a clean, safe, and professional facility. Find out if your gynecologist makes the voluntary termination of pregnancy; in this case it would be the best choice, as you already know it. If, on the other hand, you do not practice it, ask to indicate a place with adequate references.
- Check if there is a clinic near you. It offers a full range of women's health services and can be a great asset.
- Find out if the clinic you contacted is terminating the pregnancy. Some counselors do this. Many centers, on the other hand, only try to dissuade women from having an abortion. Asking a simple question over the phone will give you the answers you are looking for.
- Abortion can occur in two ways: through a surgical procedure or by taking a pill. Once you have found the right consultant, talk to him about it.
- Ask about the abortion law in your country and what restrictions are there. In some countries, if you are a minor, you need the written consent of a parent or guardian. However, it is sometimes possible to obtain a judge's permission to remedy this request.
Step 2. Talk to your parents
If you are under 18, you may need their permission to terminate the pregnancy. Ask the consultant you contacted if the law provides. Either way, you may want to discuss your situation as a family, with the hope that they will be an important resource.
- Find the right time and place to talk about it. You have to do it privately, without being interrupted. Ask your parents when they are free so they won't be distracted.
- Try to stay calm and be honest. Clearly explain how you feel and what your needs are.
Step 3. Plan the procedure without parental consent
Many countries require it, but there are still loopholes, thanks to which you can terminate the pregnancy even against the will of your family. If she's against it, or you don't want to talk about it because you don't feel like it or are too scared, you need a judge's permission. Here's how you can get it:
- The clinic has all the information you need and can help you with the procedure. You can also contact the Italian Doctors Contraception and Abortion Association, which will follow you step by step.
- If you've been married, already have a child or have a medical emergency, you don't need parental consent.
Step 4. Find someone to support you
If you don't feel like talking to your family, talk to someone else you trust. Even if you're sure you want to have an abortion, it can still be a very engaging experience. It can be very helpful to have a friend around you during this difficult time. Be calm and rational as you talk about it and let him know that you need his support.
Try thinking of a family member or friend you trust. Ask him to accompany you to have an abortion. You may need a hand (you won't be able to drive home if you're under anesthesia) or the comfort of a friend to get through the moment
Step 5. Prepare for the visit
When making an appointment, be sure to ask about the cost of the treatment. The intervention is free, if done in authorized facilities. Knowing this in advance can decrease stress on the day of the surgery.
- Only post-abortion medications are charged.
- The cost of the abortion pill or surgery is entirely borne by the state.
- Try to make an appointment when you don't have to go to school or work. This way you can have all day to rest and get yourself back on track.
Step 6. Know what awaits you
Before arriving at the clinic, make sure you know if you will be undergoing surgery or if you will be given medication. If you have been pregnant for less than 9 weeks, this second option is usually used. It is effective 97 times out of 100.
- If you need to undergo surgery, it's helpful to know what you're going through. There are two types of procedures: manual aspiration and aspiration and scraping. Ask your doctor which of the two you will be given.
- Before starting any procedure, they may give you medications to help you relax. The doctor then examines the cervix and anesthetizes the area, then uses a suction system to pick up the embryo. This method takes 5 to 10 minutes. Be aware, however, that before and after the operation, you will need to fill out forms and speak to your gynecologist.
- Even if the suction and curettage method is used, the gynecologist must examine the uterus and anesthetize the cervix. Dilation could be painful, so local (or general) anesthesia is used. To remove the embryo, a machine is used that produces the effect of a light sucker. This procedure takes about 20 minutes, in addition to the time it takes to prepare the uterus.
Method 3 of 3: Coping with the Consequences
Step 1. Understand the physical recovery process
After having a surgical abortion, you will need to follow your doctor's directions. You may experience bleeding or uterine cramps for up to a week after surgery. In this case, the gynecologist can prescribe painkillers to manage post-operative pain.
- You will also be prescribed antibiotics to prevent any infections.
- If you bleed excessively or the cramps become too painful, contact your doctor. Do this even if in the days following the termination of pregnancy you get a fever or notice a vaginal discharge very often and emanating a strong odor.
Step 2. Recognize emotions
It is normal to experience a variety of emotions after an abortion. Although you may feel relieved, you may experience mixed feelings, such as sadness, pain, or confusion.
Terminating a pregnancy is a very personal experience. Don't be ashamed if you feel shaken. Acknowledge and accept your feelings
Step 3. Get help
It is normal to feel a lot of emotions after a miscarriage, but make sure you are on the path to improvement. Being a teenager, it is very important that you recover, as you are already experiencing many changes in your life. If your depression, guilt, or anger doesn't go away quickly, you probably need a hand.
You may feel better talking about it with a friend you trust or a member of your family. However, your problem may be more serious. In this case, ask your doctor if they can recommend a psychologist or support group. Remember that you are not alone
Warnings
- Make sure the abortion is done by a professional.
- Be sure to follow all recovery instructions.
