What are the five elements of post-abortion care?

• 02/08/2024
• 0

What are the five elements of post-abortion care? – Post-abortion care (PAC), introduced by the global health community in the early 1990s, is a global initiative to provide quality sexual and reproductive health services, and its implementation has become one of the key strategies to improve women’s health and promote reproductive rights worldwide. Access to the highest possible standard of health, including sexual and reproductive health, is a fundamental human right. The ability to decide whether and when to have a child, as well as access to safe, timely, respectful, and person-centred abortion care, as well as post-abortion care, if needed, helps maintain the health and well-being of women, girls, and their families and communities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on abortion care promote a supportive environment in which people are actively involved in their health and care. As people move through the post-abortion period, health services must be integrated into the health sector to ensure that service delivery meets the needs of women and girls equitably.

Post-abortion care (PAC) includes emergency treatment of complications associated with spontaneous or induced miscarriage, family planning and birth spacing counselling, and provision of family planning methods to prevent unintended or other unplanned pregnancies that may result in repeated abortions. Post-abortion care is treatment and counselling for post-abortion women. It includes curative care, such as treating abortion complications, as well as preventative care, such as providing birth control to prevent future unwanted pregnancies. 

Post-abortion care includes a medical procedure or minor surgery to ensure the uterus is empty. It may also involve treatment for infection or injury, depending on the situation. Post-abortion care is crucial for supporting physical and emotional recovery after an abortion. The five key elements typically include:

Medical Care Treatment

This involves monitoring and managing any immediate health concerns or complications that may arise after the abortion. These visits allow your doctor to ensure the abortion was successful, the body is healing properly, and address any medical issues like infection or excessive bleeding. After an abortion, your body needs time to recover. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise for at least a week or as advised by your health care professional. Good hygiene is important to prevent infection.  Avoid using tampons, douches, or engaging in sexual intercourse for the time recommended by your healthcare provider.

Counselling and Emotional Support

Post-abortion care is for anyone who’s had an abortion and feels they need mental health support. After an abortion, you may feel emotionally drained. It is important to maintain an awareness of how you are feeling and your emotional state. It is important to connect with your support system, which may include friends, family members, or professional counsellors. These people can provide you with invaluable support to help you through the emotional challenges and stress you may be experiencing during this time. Providing psychological support is essential for helping individuals cope with any emotional or mental health challenges that might follow an abortion. This can include counselling services, support groups, or therapy to address feelings of grief, guilt, or anxiety to help them heal and move forward in life.

Contraceptive Counseling and family planning services

The service provider/counsellor should aid/support the woman in selecting the contraceptive method that best suits her. She should wait at least 6 months before trying to conceive again, as this reduces the risk of low birth weight, premature birth, and maternal anaemia. Discussing and providing options for contraception helps prevent unintended pregnancies in the future. It’s important to offer information to offer information on various methods and help individuals choose the most suitable option for their needs. 

Information and Education

Educating individuals about what to expect during recovery, including physical symptoms and emotional responses, is crucial. Providing clear information about normal recovery processes and when to seek further medical care helps in managing expectations and ensuring overall well-being. For a patient undergoing a post-abortion procedure that requires local anaesthesia, having someone to talk to and hold her hand throughout the procedure can be reassuring. Providers can meet these needs by providing background information and maintaining supportive communication before, during, and after the procedure.

Follow-up care 

Regular follow-up appointments are not necessary however, after two weeks it is advised to assess recovery for a physical examination, advice on contraception, manage any complications, and provide ongoing support. These appointments ensure that the individual’s health is properly tracked and any emerging issues are addressed promptly. 

Note: These elements work together to ensure comprehensive care and support after an abortion. 

Conclusion

Remember that each individual’s journey is unique and using a health professional or counselor can provide personalized advice. By recognizing and treating these symptoms, one can navigate the healing process with understanding, compassion, and self-care.