The Best Diet Plan After an Abortion
Early pregnancy places pretty strong demands on your body, as does any medical procedure, including abortion. While there's not a specific diet to follow after terminating a pregnancy, it's a good idea to eat bland or mild foods to avoid exacerbating any nausea you may have. Stocking up on lean proteins, whole grains, nuts, seeds, dairy, and fresh fruits and vegetables before the procedure can make it easier to eat well in the days right after.
Facts About Abortion
There are two types of abortions most commonly used in the first trimester, according to Indiana University Bloomington's Health Center 1. The first is a medical abortion that involves taking two medications, called Mifepristone and Misoprostol. The second is a surgical procedure called suction curretage or vacuum aspiration, which doesn't require a general anesthetic or actual cutting.
It's common to receive a sedative and to be prescribed painkillers after the procedure if you're having a surgical abortion, so it's a good idea to have someone drive you home. You can resume your normal activities the next day, the experts at UCLA Health state, but you may experience cramping and nausea, so take it easy 2. Don't push yourself too hard, and follow a nutritious diet.
Read more: Effects of Surgical Abortion
- There are two types of abortions most commonly used in the first trimester, according to Indiana University Bloomington's Health Center.
- The first is a medical abortion that involves taking two medications, called Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
Best Post-Abortion Diet Plan
Can I Exercise After Surgical Abortion?
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Whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, and whole wheat bread or pasta provide complex carbohydrates that your body can use for energy. Fruits high in vitamin C, such as:
- citrus fruits
- support your immune system
- help speed healing
- as does the vitamin A found in leafy
- green vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables not only offer necessary vitamins and minerals, they're fairly water dense and will help keep you hydrated. Drinking between 32 and 64 ounces of water every day will also help your recovery, because water is vital to every aspect of your body's functions.
Things to Avoid After Abortion
Stay away from empty calories, such as those found in processed flour, refined sugar and snack foods, which won't do your body any good. Avoid alcohol as well while you're recovering, according to the experts at UCSB SexInfo, because it can be an unhealthy way to try to cope with your feelings 3. Alcohol is a depressant, so if you're feeling sad, a drink or two can make you feel even worse. Feeling relieved is a valid and appropriate response, just as sadness is — but alcohol can alter your mood, which is neither healthy nor helpful. Allow yourself to feel whatever you're feeling without any type of mood-altering substance, unless your doctor has prescribed one.
Read more: Can I Exercise After Surgical Abortion?
- Stay away from empty calories, such as those found in processed flour, refined sugar and snack foods, which won't do your body any good.
- Allow yourself to feel whatever you're feeling without any type of mood-altering substance, unless your doctor has prescribed one.
Related Articles
References
- Indiana University Bloomington: Health Center: Abortion
- UCLA Health: FAQ: Post-Abortion Care and Recovery
- MyHealth.Alberta.ca: Surgical Abortion: What to Expect at Home
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Medical abortion. Mayoclinic. June 2018.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Medical abortion. Mayoclinic. June 2018.
- Food and Drug Administration. Questions and Answers on Mifeprex.
- CS Mott's Children's Hospital. Vacuum Aspiration for Abortion.
- The Mayo Clinic. Dilation and Curettage Abortion.
- CS Mott Children's Hospital. Dilation and Evacuation.
- Jensen JT, Mishell Jr. DR. Family planning: contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy termination. In: Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, Katz VL, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby; 2012: chap 13.
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Writer Bio
Emmy-award nominated screenwriter Brynne Chandler is a single mother of three who divides her time between professional research and varied cooking, fitness and home & gardening enterprises. A running enthusiast who regularly participates in San Francisco's Bay to Breakers run, Chandler works as an independent caterer, preparing healthy, nutritious meals for Phoenix area residents.