✓ WICKED VOWS| JAKE (Book II )

52-Greif To Be Buried

Ana's pov

Dr. Sara didn't crack her professional, placid expression, but her eyes darted sideways in my direction with a sympathetic flair that denoted she was sorry for my situation knowing that my first task after joining royalty was giving an heir and assure their blood.

"Of course," she said, as her tone level and soothing. "There are a couple of ways of doing it, depending on how far along you are. I'll outline both options for you now."

I nodded and steeled myself for what was to come.

"Medication abortion, also referred to as a medical abortion, is one way of terminating an unwanted pregnancy," Dr. Sara went ahead to say. This method is generally used up to about ten weeks into the pregnancy. It involves taking two different types of medications. The first one is ingested in the clinic and is called mifepristone. This medication aims to block the hormone progesterone, without which a pregnancy cannot continue. After a day or two, one can take a second set of pills at home. It includes misoprostol, which will cause contractions of the uterus and will expel the pregnancy tissue."

I was all ears, my mind racing to keep pace with her explanation. The clinical feel of the words made them cold, and detached and served only to heighten my sense of dread.

"What does that feel like?" I asked. My voice came out no louder than a whisper. "And how long does it take for the process to be complete?"

Dr. Sara regarded me with an earnest expression: "It is quite a heavy process. You might experience cramping and bleeding as in a heavy menstrual period. Some women describe it as a heavy, painful period. This whole thing can take up to hours to days, and it is best it be followed with a visit just to make sure it is complete."

The thought of all that pain and discomfort sent a cold shiver down my spine. "How about surgically?" I asked, trying to hold back a quiver in my voice.

The surgical option is usually for pregnancies over ten weeks," explained Dr. Sara. "There are two types of surgical abortion-the most common being aspiration or suction curettage, and the second one is called dilation and evacuation, or D&E. Both involve the removal of pregnancy tissue from your uterus. Which type of procedure depends on how far along you are among other medical considerations." She paused to gauge my reaction as I was taking it all in. "More often, aspiration or suction curettage is done during the first trimester, and that includes a suction machine that removes the pregnancy tissue, while the most common procedure during the second trimester is dilation and evacuation, or D&E, with some cervical dilation and instrumentation.".

"But what of recovery?" My voice could barely hold. "Recovery time varies," said Dr. Sara. "After a medication abortion, you might be feeling like your period's back to normal in a week or so, but some women's symptoms hang on a little longer. After a surgical abortion, most women are back to their normal activities in just a couple of days, but it does help to follow up with your healthcare provider just to make sure that there aren't any complications."

A wave of nausea passed over me-reality was setting in with what I was considering. And how would I know it just is the right one for me?

Dr. Sara gave a softening expression of understanding. "It is a very personal decision is important that you consider your feelings and circumstances, what are best for you in terms of health and well-being. If you need more time, it's all right. We are here to support and provide counseling as you go through this process.

I took a deep breath and clutched my hands tightly in my lap. "Thank you, Dr. Sara," I murmured, "I need some time to think."

Dr. Sara literally overstepped with sympathy. "Of course, take the time you need, and anytime, never hesitate to contact me should you have more questions and also for support." As I left Dr. Sara's office, I let out a deep and long breath that I did not even realize was held inside me. The enormity of the information and what lay ahead filled me with appreciation mixed with leaden dread and frustration. Emotions rose inside me: The boiling cauldron of fade I tried to hold back.