Some women feel a strong sense of identification or bonding with the embryo, and having an abortion feels like losing part of themselves. Moreover, your body has gone through some of the physical processes associated with pregnancy. Physical reminders that you are not longer pregnant, such as the return of your period, can bring contradictory feelings of relief and sadness. The grief process passes through predictable stages. Though the order and intensity of the stages may not be the same of each woman, some of the stages you may experience include shock and denial, anger, sadness, and acceptance.
Women are often surprised to find themselves crying later.
These feelings of shock, denial, or delayed sadness are a natural way of protecting oneself from being overwhelmed by too many emotions all at once. It's natural to feel angry or irritable. Some women find themselves snapping at boyfriends or family members. If important people disappointed you, you might feel angry or resentful. Some women feel angry at themselves, or at pregnant women or women with small children.