Post Abortion Syndrome

Post abortion syndrome is a very common phenomenon among women who have had an abortion. Women who have this syndrome experience intense feelings of guilt and depression. Many feel that they did not receive adequate counseling or information about the likelihood that the fetus is a live human being before having the procedure. Those who experience post abortion depression often claim of extreme pressure to go through with the procedure from family and friends. With God there is forgiveness. If a person truly repents of sin he or she can find forgiveness through Jesus. "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me" (Acts 26:18).



Guilt and remorse often leads to depression and destructive behavior. Destructive behavior associated with post abortion syndrome can include alcohol and drug abuse, relationship problems, and can even lead to suicide. Some women experience guilt soon after the procedure is done whereas others may not experience guilt until several years afterwards. In extreme cases a woman may go on to committing other crimes and may even spend some time in prison. While this does not happen to every woman that has an abortion it has happened to some. When a person believes that there is no hope he or she may exhibit behavior that is destructive. People in this position may believe that what they have done is unforgivable. They may not realize that their behavior may stem from the guilt over having an abortion.



Counseling can help to alleviate questions in the mind that many women experience after the procedure. Even if a woman believes that the child was not a living human being and are convinced of that during the procedure may wonder about it later on. Those who suffer with post abortion depression should consider getting some counseling. Christian counseling can help the individual to learn what God's word says and what God's love and forgiveness can accomplish. "Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honor thy father and mother" (Mark 10:19). God's word says that murder is a sin but His word also says that forgiveness is found through repentance.



Women who are thinking about having an abortion need to know what is at stake, not only with the unborn child but also with the issues that come up afterwards including post abortion syndrome. The medical community may never be able to answer definitively when life actually begins. Although, they have been able to determine different levels of development that take place at specific times. For instance, the heartbeat usually begins 21 days after conception. Researchers now know that a child in the womb experiences dreams which come from unconscious thoughts. If a child is capable of unconscious thoughts then he or she is certainly capable of conscious thoughts which points to self-awareness. The Bible says that children are a reward and a blessing from God. "Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward" (Psalm 127:3).



Depression brought on by guilt from having an abortion can be very difficult to deal with because it may manifest in other ways so that the person who is suffering has not realized why they are depressed. Women are not the only ones who experience post abortion depression; it can also plague men. Maybe the man was instrumental in convincing the woman to have the procedure done or perhaps he thinks about the child that was his who was never born. God offers those who are hurting a way to find forgiveness, love, and peace from the aftermath. The Bible says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Forgiveness and salvation comes through Jesus, who shed His blood on the cross for all sins.



Some of the symptoms or disorders associated with post abortion syndrome include but are not limited to obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety disorder, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress syndrome. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress syndrome include avoidance of anything that serves as a reminder of the stressful event, being hypersensitive to normal life experiences, nightmares, detachment, sleeping problems, and flashbacks. A person suffering with psychological problems often experience difficulty with holding down a job and have relationship problems. They may also exhibit a lot of anger in their life.



A woman who has had an abortion may at times have overwhelming feelings of grief. Feelings of grief may not become apparent at first; it can happen years after the procedure has been done. Post abortion depression may surface along with the feelings of grief and loss. There is hope for those who suffer with grief and bereavement. Losing a child can cause a person to experience feelings of grief but losing a child due to abortion makes the feelings much more intense because along with grief the person is also feeling remorse and hopelessness. The way may seem hopeless but with God nothing is ever hopeless. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

Post Abortion Trauma

Abortion risks only confirm the fact that aborting is unnatural, destroying life - not promoting it. As with any medical or surgical procedure, errors and complications are always a possibility. Even though this procedure is claimed to be safe, many women still experience traumatic effects. Other women are more susceptible to problems and could be fighting for their life because of aborting their child. Pro-life advocates need to understand both the ethics of the matter as well as the possible risks to women's health. Although dangers and the possibility of traumatic effects, including post abortion trauma, are not reasons to be anti-abortion, they are important to understand in the fight against this procedure.



Despite the claims of medical doctors and researchers about the safety of aborting, there are still major risks. To many, these threats are not worth the "convenience" of aborting a child. Death, though rare, is a possibility. In places like the United States, the number of deaths is extremely low because the procedure is legal and done by a medical professional in a sterile environment. Another of the abortion risks is an incomplete abortion when the fetus and/or pregnancy tissue is left behind. Incompletion requires more medication or even dilation and curettage (D & C). If the child is carried to term following an incomplete attempt to abort, it is possible that the drug could cause deformities in the child. The fact that a child could survive an abortion just further affirms the fact that this is the destruction of human life. Cramping, especially after medically aborting, is another risk. Following a surgical procedure, it is possible to experience heavy blood loss, pain and even infection. Antibiotics will be used to treat an infection. Heavy bleeding can be treated with medication and D & C. Major blood loss can be treated with a blood transfusion although this is a rare occurrence. Another of the threats is perforation. It is possible during surgery to puncture a hole the uterus. If unrepaired, the perforation could cause other complications.



A woman could face even greater threats should she ignore any strange symptoms following the procedure. A woman who experiences foul smelling vaginal discharge, no bleeding within 24 hour of a medical abortion or a fever of 100 degree Fahrenheit or higher will need to call her doctor immediately. A woman should also be wary of more vaginal bleeding than usual with large blood clots and severe back or abdominal pain. Among the abortion risks after surgery, there is a small risk of infertility should the woman face complications like perforation. Typically, though, such complications can lead to difficulty in future pregnancies or result in future miscarriages rather than infertility. Thus, the choice to deny life affects a woman for the rest of her marriage and family life. For answers to other important topics like abortion, click here.



There are physical threats, but there are also psychological risks, now called Post Abortion Trauma, Stress or Syndrome which further prove aborting to be a damaging procedure. This condition can be experienced by both women and men following the procedure. Many women and men feel guilty about the choice to abort because the guilt symptom is just a human reaction to sin. They experience depression, anger and grief. Traumatized women may experience depression and the same cycle of emotions at the anniversary of aborting the child. Others will repress the memory of the procedure all together. In serious cases of Post Abortion Trauma, a woman could have hallucinations, flashbacks and even suicidal thoughts. Sexual dysfunction is also a symptom of this condition. Women may turn to alcohol or drugs for comfort from their grief or guilt as well. This is just another form of denial, a natural human response to sin.



Unfortunately, since Roe vs. Wade, many women have experienced the reality of aborting a child and its many side effects and complications. Some move on from it, without remorse, while others struggle with grief and guilt. Despite the many dangers, side effects, and the possibility of Post Abortion Trauma to the woman, the procedure is about the baby and the termination of a human life. The issue has divided our nation and become a struggle between the unborn's rights and the woman's rights. As pro-lifers encounter those women who are struggling with this issue, they should talk to them about abortion risks and God's will for their child's life. These women need to be reminded about the life of the child they carry. Caring people need to tell them to pray and talk with someone they trust. Their pregnancy doesn't have to end in murder. A child can be a blessing to them or a couple who can't have a child of their own. "Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward." (Psalm 127:3)

Pre Abortion Counseling

Pre abortion counseling can provide hope to women who have become pregnant and are not happy about it. Considering an abortion is a very serious matter and should not even be contemplated as a choice. The little human child that is developing and growing in the womb did not ask to be there. He or she is there because of a choice that someone else made. God says that children are a blessing from him and they should be viewed as such. The precious little children deserve the same chances to life that all of us have had. They should not have to suffer for the mistakes or sins of others. God also says in His Word that murder is sin. Pre abortion counseling at an abortion clinic may not tell a woman all of this because basically they are trying to make a sale. Medical personnel pretend like they care and some of them may come across sincere because they are blinded to the truth themselves. "Cause me to hear Thy loving kindness in the morning; for in Thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto Thee" (Psalm 143:8).



The Bible says that those who are perishing are often spiritually blinded from the truth. They choose to believe the lie rather than the truth. This is what makes their story so convincing to women who are asking for help. Pre abortion counseling from people who are spiritually blind may be appealing especially if the mother-to-be is looking for a way out from her predicament. Counselors at abortion clinics will not normally tell you that this little life you are carrying can feel pain or be aware of what is going on. Some might tell you that a child inside the mother's womb is not self-aware until he or she can exist outside of the womb. Some will even tell you that the procedure is safe and no harm will come to your body; when in fact the cervix has to be stretched beyond capable limits in order for the surgeon to expel the child from the body. This stretching causes damage to the tissue resulting in weakness and scar tissue. This alone can keep a woman from carrying a child to term. It may cause a woman to miscarry or give birth to premature babies.



There are other physical problems that terminating a pregnancy can cause to a female's body. In some documented cases women who have had a pregnancy terminated have had other organs punctured which has caused a serious infection. This type of infection can lead to sepsis and even death. Pre abortion counseling should include every possible risk that could happen to a woman's body. Some ladies might decide not to terminate a pregnancy when finding out the risks especially when wanting to have future children.



One option that clinics are offering ladies today includes swallowing two pills that will spontaneously cause the child to be expelled from the body. These two pills have not been used for very long so no one really knows what the long-term effects will be after taking them. Many females who have decided to have a medically induced abortion have problems. These problems may lead to a surgical abortion being necessary. Pre abortion counseling does not include all of the possible risks to a woman who takes pills to abort her child. Medical personnel in a clinic do not tell her to not be surprised if she sees a little baby floating in the toilet or shower several days after taking the last pill. Abortion clinics may not tell the patient that she could have severe hemorrhaging which could lead to death after having a medically induced termination of a pregnancy.



Some women will wonder who to talk to when searching for the truth. There is a great deal of information on the Internet about pre abortion counseling. A female who has an unwanted pregnancy should consider looking at multiple sites to get a rounded view of the subject. Most sites have contact information so a person can just give them a call and ask questions over the phone or so she can send an email with questions. Various websites have testimonies of women who have been through an abortion. This is another good way to get some unbiased information. Blog sites have stories of ladies who are asking the same questions you might ask. Take notes and then pray about your situation for a while. Take one day at a time and talk to Christian friends or family.



Unfortunately some females terminate a pregnancy because they feel pressured to do so. This is a difficult situation because family or friends and even spouses can make it difficult to not do what they want. This is where prayer and seeking counseling is especially important. Never give into pressure from others when making such a life changing decision. The decision to terminate a pregnancy is one that you will have to live with for the rest of your life. A person who is trying to make the decision for you should get pre abortion counseling so he or she can understand the severity of having an abortion. Sometimes a female is scared not to follow the advice of a spouse, boyfriend or parents. This is a bad situation and intervention is necessary to convince those involved of the truth of what is being asked. Pre abortion counseling can be attended as a group where all family members are present. Trust in God and don't give in to pressure. God can change the minds of those who are spiritually blinded to the truth.

Pregnancy After Abortion

The issue of pregnancy after abortion is one that concerns many women who have chosen to terminate unwanted pregnancies at some earlier point in their lives. As life circumstances change, many women find themselves in the position of desiring to marry and begin families. At such times, suppressed emotions surrounding a prior decision to terminate a pregnancy can rise to the surface. Fear over physical limitations that may be the result of previous abortions can also cause a great deal of stress. Ideally, these issues will have been considered before decisions to terminate pregnancies were made. This is not generally the case, however. Often as not, the more pressing immediate needs that women faced during initial unwanted pregnancies will take top priorities. Subsequent feelings of regret or concern over the ability to bear a child to term will frequently later surface, causing anguish and concern for a woman and her family. Generally speaking, an abortion will in most cases not prevent a woman from becoming pregnant later in life. But that is not to say that there are no physical problems that are associated with pregnancy after abortion.



There can, in fact, be certain physical and emotional problems that can arise for women concerned about pregnancy after abortion when the time for starting a family does arrive. For example, if a scaring if the uterine lining occurred during the abortion, this can be a serious issue. Once a woman has failed to conceive after a total of three ovulation cycles, she should be examined by a specialist in the reproductive field. If scarring has occurred, this can be determined through a simple test. This test may involve an injection of saline into the uterus. Such injections make it possible for the physician to detect any scarring that may be present. Scaring can block the fallopian tubes and render a woman infertile. Surgical procedures may be able to repair such blockage and make it possible for the woman to become pregnant and carry a child to term. Other pregnancy after abortion concerns can include an increased risk of bleeding before the twenty eighth week of gestation. Issues regarding retention of the placenta have also been reported to occur more frequently among women have previously had abortions. There is debate about whether or not previous abortions can create a greater risk of low birth weight, but there seems to be little evidence to support such an assertion.



Perhaps the greatest risk associated with pregnancy after abortion is that of future emotional problems. In most cases, the decision to abort a child is a result outside situations and pressures. These social reasons may include a separation from the father of the child or pressure from the father or other family members to undergo an abortion. Making such a decision while under pressure from others is very likely to result in second thoughts, not to mention possible guilt and shame later on. Women who are facing pregnancies that are unplanned may feel that their options are limited. Unfortunately, sufficient information on the long term emotional toll that such a decision can take on a woman's emotional well being are often not provided by abortion proponents. For this reason, any woman who is contemplating terminating a pregnancy should seek counsel and help from a source that will offer a complete and informed picture of the long term ramifications that abortions can represent.



Even pro abortion organizations have been forced to admit that women who have terminated pregnancies end up dealing with some very serious guilt issues when they are ready to start a family. Preparing for a planned pregnancy after abortion will usually necessitate dealing some very tough mental health concerns. The notion that choosing to terminate unwanted an pregnancy will simply wipe away any problems that the unplanned child could create can only be described as short sided and completely false. Frequently, a woman will find out too late that abortions do not simply erase the problem, but instead result in a whole new set of issues that may take years to resolve. The guilt and shame that many women report years after abortions have taken place can have a major impact on the lives of these women and on those who love them.



In addition to risks pertaining to pregnancy after abortion, cases of clinical depression among women who have terminated pregnancies may also be higher. This is particularly true of women who aborted first pregnancies. If a woman finds that she is pregnant for the first time and that this child is unplanned, the choice to carry the infant to term or to abort it can have a major impact on future mental health. According to reports by the British Medical Journal, women who chose to carry the child to term and give birth have a lower chance of experiencing clinical depression when compared to women who chose to terminate first pregnancies. Another factor that seemed to increase the likelihood of clinical depression seemed to be the marital status of women who had undergone abortions. Married women who had experienced abortions were more likely to show symptoms of clinical depression within eight years. For these women, counseling and medical treatment are generally necessary. Women with a strong faith may be more likely to find help from the emotional issues that may be associated with pregnancy after abortion. The Bible promises believers that if they seek God first in their lives, other things will fall into place. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33)

Pre Pregnancy Planning

Pre pregnancy planning involves deciding on a specific time become pregnant. The best time to conceive a child is when ovulation is taking place. Drinking too much alcohol and smoking can impair one's ability to conceive. This is true for both male and female. Excessive alcohol has been proven to impair fertility. Caffeine is another substance that needs to be restricted. In fact, completely quitting caffeine, alcohol, and smoking will be necessary after becoming pregnant and should be part of every female's pre pregnancy planning. Caffeine has been proven to trigger miscarriage. Stay away from sodas, tea, coffee, and especially energy drinks because they normally contain large amounts of caffeine. A mother-to-be needs to eat as healthy as possible and take multi-vitamin and mineral supplements the entire 9 months. Food cravings may make it difficult to always eat healthy but every woman will want to be as healthy as possible so that her child will be as healthy as possible. "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him" (Ephesians 1:17).



Shedding extra pounds can make it easier when conceiving. Studies have shown that women who are overweight have more complications during pregnancy and delivery compared to those who aren't. Even being 10 pounds overweight is an impairment making it harder to get back to one's normal weight after the baby is born. Start a regular exercise program and make this an important part of pre pregnancy planning. Find an exercise that is enjoyable and set aside the same time each day or at least every other day. A couple of good suggestions that a female can continue after conception include walking and calisthenics. On the flip side, being too thin can be a hindrance as well. Some women who are too thin do not have regular cycles especially if they exercise a great deal and this can reduce fertility making it much more difficult to conceive.



Pre pregnancy planning should include saving money for diapers, baby furniture, maternity clothes, and doctor bills. Not being financially sound and having a little money in the bank can put a strain on family life. Making a budget helps a couple to stick back a little money for necessities and emergencies. Don't plan on making any high dollar expenditures. Forego buying a new car or taking out any loans especially high dollar ones with high interest. Curb spending on eating out by eating at home whenever possible. If a woman is working she should find out what her employer's policy is on getting paid while on maternity leave. She should also be aware of the policies of her health insurance especially how much it will pay towards having the baby. Most insurance companies will pay for maternal expenses but not prenatal expenses after the baby is born. This is a very vital and important consideration with pre pregnancy planning.



A couple wanting to have a child should look at their current residence and decide if there is room for one more. Sometimes a move to a bigger place may be necessary. Doing so will increase a family's expenses so wisdom should be used. Make sure there is enough money for getting into a bigger place and that it will be affordable after the baby arrives. Pre pregnancy planning should include a nursery and playroom for the little one. The child will need to have his or her own space just like adults need their own space. The first few months after the baby is born most people keep a bassinet in the master bedroom but after that the child will need to have his or her own bed to sleep in.



Make an appointment with an obstetrician and get a physical. Have the doctor check for STDs, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Check all current medications out with the doctor to make sure they will be safe to take while pregnant. Pre pregnancy planning involves being in good health for both mother and baby. Make sure that you feel comfortable with your current physician while expecting because you will be visiting his or her office often for check ups. The spouse should get a physical as well making sure that he is in good health and has no reproductive problems such as a silent STD or fertility problems. Make an appointment with the dentist and have teeth and gums checked out. Problems with teeth can indicate an underlying health problem. Women who have gum disease have a higher risk for miscarriage.



Personal grooming can be an issue after conception. The chemicals in hair dye could possible be dangerous to an unborn baby especially during the time when the baby's organs are developing. Getting highlights is less dangerous because the chemicals do not normally reach the beginning of the root as much as full coverage hair color. Don't spend money unnecessarily for clothing because the clothes in your closet now are probably not going to fit you immediately after the baby is born; plus maternity clothes will have to be purchased to accommodate your changing body shape. Pre pregnancy planning is all about making good choices about purchases for personal grooming. Remember to wear loose fitting clothes and avoid products that contain chemicals. Choose products that are as natural as possible for your body too.