A surgical abortion is a doctor-assisted evacuation of a fetus. A surgical abortion may be required due to an ectopic pregnancy or other medical danger a fetus is causing your body, or be performed due to the unlikelihood of a fetus to survive until birth.

For whatever reason you are facing this type of procedure, the experience can appear frightening and daunting. The best way to find comfort in this common abortion procedure is to know how to prepare for the appointment.

Take Time Off Work or School

In the days following your surgical abortion, you may feel cramping or some pain in your cervix or stomach. You may also feel many emotions as your hormones return to a normal state once your pregnancy has finally ended.

Schedule time away from work and/or school so you can heal from the procedure both physically and mentally. Taking care of your own well-being will make undergoing the surgical abortion a more successful experience.

Arrive Early to Your Appointment

There may be paperwork to fill out, or you may undergo an ultrasound to determine how far along you are before your surgical abortion procedure begins. You also want to arrive early so you can ask your doctor questions about the tools used and any other concerns you have. Don't worry, numbing medication is used to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you.

Have a Loved One With You

Bring a person with you whom you trust and care for; a spouse, lover, close friend, or relative will stand by your side as you undergo your procedure to help make you feel more comfortable. Since making the decision to have a surgical abortion is a very important one, it's best to have physical and emotional support by your side throughout your experience.

You will also want to have a loved one with you to assist you in going home from the procedure in case you are still groggy from pain medication and anesthetic you receive while you are in surgery. Prepare to be in the clinic for a while until you are physically able to be released.

It's important that you find a support group or a therapist to assist you after you have your surgical abortion procedure completed. Your clinic where you have the procedure done can recommend a specialist to you who can help you during this emotional time. With time, you will heal completely from your procedure and be able to perform your regular duties again.