How do I deal with managing pregnancy while waiting for my abortion?

Someone asked us: I scheduled an abortion appointment but it’s not for a few weeks. I hate being pregnant and just wish I didn’t have to deal with any of this. What can I do in the meantime to manage all this?

It can be hard to deal with the symptoms of pregnancy, even in ideal circumstances. It can be even more challenging when you’ve decided to have an abortion. But there are things you can do to manage this waiting period, both emotionally and physically. 

Here’s what you can do to manage the physical symptoms of pregnancy:

• Nausea or vomiting (AKA “morning sickness”): try eating small, frequent meals, get to know and avoid any nausea triggers, or try drinking ginger or chamomile tea. You can also try anti-nausea acupressure bracelets, or ask a nurse or doctor for help figuring out the right medicines to help with your nausea.
• Food aversions/cravings: listen to your body's cues and try to maintain a balanced diet with these preferences in mind.
• Fatigue (feeling very tired): do your best to get plenty of sleep and rest as needed.
• Breast discomfort: a comfortable, supportive bra may help. You can also take acetaminophen (i.e. Tylenol) for pain.
• Frequent urination: if you find yourself needing to pee a lot more often, try to drink smaller amounts throughout the day so you stay hydrated without constant bathroom trips. You can also avoid drinking anything close to your bedtime so you don’t have  to get up in the middle of the night to pee.

Here’s what you can do for emotional support:

• If possible, find a support person. This could be a friend or family member who supports your decision to have an abortion, and can also be a sounding board as you manage your symptoms while waiting for your appointment. 
• Contact All-Options for free and private support on their talkline. They can support you at any point in your pregnancy or abortion journey with non-judgment and empathy.
• If you’re having mood swings or high stress, try stress-relieving activities like yoga or meditation.

Remember to keep taking any medications you take daily, unless a doctor or nurse tells you to stop. And if you have any cramping or bleeding, check in with a doctor or nurse about it. It’s possible it’s a miscarriage, but it may not be. 

It can be physically and emotionally draining to continue to be pregnant while waiting for your abortion appointment. If you want to see if you can get an abortion sooner, check out AbortionFinder.org. Some people choose to self-manage their abortion instead. Plan C has more information about the difference between getting an abortion from a doctor or nurse and a self-managed abortion