Abortions happen for so many reasons. Sometimes, especially in pregnancies with medical complications, abortions might be necessary to save the life of the woman. No matter the reason why you’ve had an abortion, it takes care, time and patience to recover. But there are certain things can help make that recovery a little easier and faster. Read on to learn more on symptoms, care, as well as, what to eat after an abortion for fast recovery.
Common Symptoms One May Experience After An Abortion
- Some vaginal bleeding is normal but make sure to use pads instead of tampons or anything you have to insert into your vagina to avoid getting an infection.
- You will feel pain like menstrual cramps in your lower abdomen. They will go away in time.
- Your breasts may be very tender for a few weeks.
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are also possible.
- You may get a thick white discharge that looks like mucus.
- You may be very tired and might even run a fever for a bit.
- It’s possible you won’t be in the best place emotionally. You’ll be feeling a lot. It’s okay. Just sit with your feelings.
How To Care For Oneself After An Abortion
- You’ll need lots of rest
- Massage your lower abdomen with a warm towel or heat pack to help with the cramps or soak in a warm bath
- Take pain killers
- Go for your follow-up appointments
- Take the time to process ALL your feelings
- Wait 2-3 weeks before having sex or exercising
What To Eat After An Abortion For Fast Recovery
Foods rich in iron
You’ll be bleeding heavily so iron is very important to help build back that haemoglobin. You need to consume things like green leafy vegetables, dates, sweet potatoes, apples and other iron-rich foods.
Foods rich in vitamins
Vitamins are amazing for your body and vitamin c specifically also helps replenish the blood loss in your body. It helps to form collagen that will help you heal faster. Just eat lots of fruits and vegetables.
Foods rich in calcium
Calcium is important for blood clotting, muscles contracting and regulating normal heart rhythms and nerve functions. It’s common for calcium levels to drop after an abortion or miscarriage. Some foods rich in calcium are seafood, okra, soy, milk and dairy etc.
Whole grains
Whole grains are very rich in fiber. It helps your immune system, gut health and digestion. They’re also amazing sources of vitamins like potassium, magnesium and so on. They helps regulate blood sugar levels which help with recovery.
Comfort food
Not only do you need to boost your physical health but your emotional health needs some love too. It doesn’t matter what you’re feeling. Joy, sadness, anger, relief, whatever it is, your favourite foods (healthy or not) can only help you right now. As long as you’re getting your nutrients from everything else you’re eating, your comfort food can be as unhealthy as it needs to be.
Foods rich in protein
Everyone knows a diet rich in protein is key to being relatively healthy. Protein is even more important after abortion because it helps build back all you have lost. It’s a great source of vitamin B12, which helps your body to produce new red blood cells which help with faster recovery. It also has amino acids that are needed to get rid of destroyed cells still lingering in the body. Some protein-rich foods are; meat, fish, eggs, chicken, lentils, cheese and so on.
Water
I can’t stress the importance of fluids at this time. You’ve lost a lot. You need to replenish them back. Make a conscious effort to stay hydrated all the time. Drink water, juice, turmeric milk (amazing for you during this period), and any other healthy, nourishing drink.