Abortion and Body Image
Let’s talk about abortion and body image.
Body image is a combination of a person’s thoughts and feelings about their body. Body image may be positive, negative or a combination of both. With pregnancy, it’s normal for the woman’s body to change and natural to experience mixed feelings about it.
When a woman experiences an unintended pregnancy, bodily changes may be especially difficult to accept. Some women may consider abortion in part because they do not want their body to physically change through carrying a pregnancy to term.
The reality is – hormonal & physical changes are in motion the moment a pregnancy begins.
We want to talk through the changes that may happen and share some resources with you.
If you are considering an abortion and want to learn more or explore your options, click here to schedule a free and confidential appointment with one of our nurses.
If you have had an abortion and are looking for a safe space to talk – Parkridge provides free and confidential counseling and after abortion services.
UNDERSTANDING ABORTION AND ITS IMPACT ON THE BODY
An abortion, whether surgically or medically induced, has a significant impact on a woman's body. In the first few weeks of pregnancy – before you may even know you are pregnant – your body changes. Some of these changes include swollen or tender breasts, frequent urination, bloating, fatigue, nausea and gas. Although you won’t have a visible bump from the get-go, your body is constantly at work nourishing and growing the pregnancy. Those bodily changes can be uncomfortable, yet they are also normal. Your body is designed to support and sustain a full-term pregnancy.
When an abortion takes place, the pregnancy is terminated or stopped, which results in a big shift for your body. Your body stops producing high amounts of progesterone and oxytocin. Whether you had a surgical or medication abortion, physical recovery is a process.
COPING WITH BODY IMAGE CONCERNS AFTER AN ABORTION
If you find yourself struggling with body image after an abortion, know that you are not alone. Many women have expressed feelings of depression, regret, or confusion after an abortion. Considering the things your body has been through; you might look and feel different.
One of the healthiest ways to cope with body image is to have safe people you can talk to, people who can check in on you and make sure you are okay. Ignoring your feelings or not talking to anyone about them can be isolating and hard.
SUPPORT AND CARE AFTER AN ABORTION
Your support and care after an abortion is so important, both for your physical and mental health. At Parkridge, we want to be a part of your support team. Our clinic offers free and confidential after-abortion support and counseling, with care specific to YOUR needs.
We want you to feel safe and give you the space and support you need to process and move forward after an abortion. If you are interested in learning more or scheduling an appointment, click here.
One more thing... we just want to remind you that your body is resilient and amazing. And, while your body is part of who you are, it certainly doesn’t encompass all of who you are. We are physical, mental, emotional and spiritual people. We are here for you.
We hope the information included here is helpful and is received in conjunction with other medical and mental health information. This blog post is not intended to replace information directly received from a medical provider. Our services include pregnancy testing, confirmation ultrasound, options education, STD testing and treatment, professional counseling and support after abortion. Parkridge offers free counseling on a variety of issues including relationships, sex, and abortion. All services are always free of charge, confidential, and delivered by licensed professionals. Schedule an appointment today –click here, or call 806.794.8555.
