Abortion is a big decision, and you’ll want to research this pregnancy option carefully. There are side effects, risks, and emotional considerations you should know. Staying informed is the best way to decide what’s best for you.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation. It involves taking two medications to terminate your pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that sustains the pregnancy. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
If you choose medical abortion, you’ll experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, chills, and fever.
Though the chances of developing risks are low, they are possible. Risks related to the medical abortion procedure include:
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the abortion medications don’t work)
- Incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortions are performed later in pregnancy and involve medication, surgical instruments, and suctioning. The most common surgical abortion procedure is dilation and curettage (D & C), which causes abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
The risks of surgical abortion procedures are severe and include:
- Uterine perforation
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Before Your Abortion
Before making a pregnancy decision, including abortion, you want to have a complete physical exam with a medical provider. Review your medical history and any allergies or conditions that could impact your choice.
Confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality test and verifying key details with an ultrasound are crucial steps. Helping Hands Pregnancy and Parenting Center offers self-administered pregnancy tests, ultrasound referrals, and options information. Ensure you understand each pregnancy option and have the facts to make a confident decision.
Contact us today to make an appointment.
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