The After-Effects

Did you know that by age 45, 1 out of every 2.5 women in the United States has had at least one abortion! That is a high percentage rate, which is one of the main reasons why I wanted to start this forum. There is a definite need for support, and what better way than to support each other as women, and be able to direct each other to different agencies, should the need arise.

Don't feel bad if you are feeling depressed after an abortion. It happens, and is very normal. It is just as frequent and normal as exhibiting PMS symptoms.

You may or may not feel the following symptoms:

Fear and avoidance of doctor & dentist's offices, any type of medical building or situation.

Feelings of sadness and crying when seeing babies or children or pregnant women

Feelings of jealousy when seeing babies or children or pregnant women

"Anniversary Date" problems:
The Anniversary is usually one of three, or all three:

The date the woman got pregnant
The date of the abortion procedure
The would be 'due date' of the baby, had the pregnancy not been interrupted.

Sleep Problems:
Having difficulty falling asleep, having difficulty staying asleep, sleep problems in general and dreams and nightmares

'Replacement Baby' feelings: the strong urge to go out and get pregnant again

Intrusion or 'Flashbacks':
"Intrusion" means the woman can involuntarily re-experience the abortion or events surrounding it - flashbacks to the clinic, to protestors, to the actual abortion procedure, and the hours afterwards.

Numbness or emotional constriction, a need to avoid feelings, thoughts and situations reminiscent of the trauma, a loss of normal emotional responses or both.

Anger

Guilt and Shame

Isolation

Sensitivity to pre-existing phobias

Eating disorders

Relationship problems

Emotional numbness with regards to current or future children being unable to relate and bond properly with the ones that are here. Feeling like a 'bad mother', and feeling like the children would be better off without her interaction and influence.

Over protectiveness of children.

Fears and over protectiveness when pregnant again

Viewing miscarriage or infertility as 'punishment':
Feeling that future problems with infertility or miscarriages are 'punishment' for having had an abortion.

Suicidal feelings

Sexual problems

Being distressed at having your period - it's a reminder of the abortion, lots of blood and cramps again, and no baby.

Having problems with anxiety and depression, worry and nervousness, with no visible cause.

Clinical Depression

It is normal to fell any of these symptoms after having an abortion, sometimes they only last a short time and sometimes they last for years. Please don't "beat" yourself up over feeling these emotions. It is a good sign, it means you are normal and have emotions. There are many ways to understand, embrace and deal with these emotions and symptoms. That is why it is important to form a network of support, and know that you will find support here.

Blessings,
EV

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Did you know that by age 45, 1 out of every 2.5 women in the United States has had at least one abortion! That is a high percentage rate, which is one of the main reasons why I wanted to start this forum. There is a definite need for support, and what better way than to support each other as women, and be able to direct each other to different agencies, should the need arise.

Don't feel bad if you are feeling depressed after an abortion. It happens, and is very normal. It is just as frequent and normal as exhibiting PMS symptoms.

You may or may not feel the following symptoms:

Fear and avoidance of doctor & dentist's offices, any type of medical building or situation.

Feelings of sadness and crying when seeing babies or children or pregnant women

Feelings of jealousy when seeing babies or children or pregnant women

"Anniversary Date" problems:
The Anniversary is usually one of three, or all three:

The date the woman got pregnant
The date of the abortion procedure
The would be 'due date' of the baby, had the pregnancy not been interrupted.

Sleep Problems:
Having difficulty falling asleep, having difficulty staying asleep, sleep problems in general and dreams and nightmares

'Replacement Baby' feelings: the strong urge to go out and get pregnant again

Intrusion or 'Flashbacks':
"Intrusion" means the woman can involuntarily re-experience the abortion or events surrounding it - flashbacks to the clinic, to protestors, to the actual abortion procedure, and the hours afterwards.

Numbness or emotional constriction, a need to avoid feelings, thoughts and situations reminiscent of the trauma, a loss of normal emotional responses or both.

Anger

Guilt and Shame

Isolation

Sensitivity to pre-existing phobias

Eating disorders

Relationship problems

Emotional numbness with regards to current or future children being unable to relate and bond properly with the ones that are here. Feeling like a 'bad mother', and feeling like the children would be better off without her interaction and influence.

Over protectiveness of children.

Fears and over protectiveness when pregnant again

Viewing miscarriage or infertility as 'punishment':
Feeling that future problems with infertility or miscarriages are 'punishment' for having had an abortion.

Suicidal feelings

Sexual problems

Being distressed at having your period - it's a reminder of the abortion, lots of blood and cramps again, and no baby.

Having problems with anxiety and depression, worry and nervousness, with no visible cause.

Clinical Depression

It is normal to fell any of these symptoms after having an abortion, sometimes they only last a short time and sometimes they last for years. Please don't "beat" yourself up over feeling these emotions. It is a good sign, it means you are normal and have emotions. There are many ways to understand, embrace and deal with these emotions and symptoms. That is why it is important to form a network of support, and know that you will find support here.

Blessings,
EV
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