How to Cope With Pregnancy Termination

There are two types of pregnancy termination: spontaneous abortion or miscarriage, and induced abortion. Spontaneous abortion occurs when a woman expels a fetus that stopped growing in her uterus. Induced abortion involves medical intervention to expel a fetus due to a woman's choice to terminate the pregnancy. A woman may choose to induce abortion because of personal reasons or because of medical problems in the fetus or the woman. Regardless of how and why a pregnancy termination occurs, it can be extremely difficult to cope.

Instructions

• 1

  Be yourself. Remember that every person reacts to a pregnancy termination differently. Don't feel obligated to cry, and on the other hand, don't feel like it's wrong to be sad. Do what feels right for you, and don't be ashamed of your responses. The most common reactions to pregnancy termination include guilt, shame, depression and grief.

• 2

  See a therapist. Counselors and therapists can teach coping mechanisms to deal with the strong emotions associated with pregnancy termination. They offer a place to speak without judgment and offer advice to deal with stressful situations. To find a therapist that specializes in pregnancy termination, seek a local Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC) or Crisis Pregnancy Center (CPC). Most obstetrician offices also have information on local therapists to help patients dealing with termination.

• 3

  Try a support group. Being surrounded by others who have gone through a similar experience can take away the feelings of isolation that pregnancy terminations can cause. PRCs and CPCs also have information on local support groups to help cope with pregnancy termination. Therapists also have information on these groups, so call the therapists who deal with pregnancy termination for information on any sessions that they or their clinic host.

• 4

  Look online. While online support groups don't offer face-to-face contact, they do offer large groups of women who either have been through or are going through similar situations. Those who have already been there can offer advice on dealing with the emotions and situations newcomers have.

• 5

  Talk to trusted friends and family. Friends and family may not completely understand what pregnancy terminations entail emotionally, but they can listen. Simply getting feelings out and having someone else acknowledge them is a great outlet.