Are You Considering Abortion?

If you are considering abortion for your unplanned pregnancy, be sure to learn all you can about various procedures, side effects to expect, and potential risks. Having an abortion is a serious medical decision, and you need to be as prepared as possible.

Some women may experience a range of long-term adverse psychological and emotional effects from an abortion. You may also be more at risk for guilt and/or depression-like symptoms if your decision to abort conflicts with your spiritual beliefs.

Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you factual information to help you make an educated decision. Knowing the types of abortion is essential. 

Types of Abortion

There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. Usually, the number of weeks you have been pregnant determines which type you have.

Medical (The Abortion Pill method)

A medical abortion uses two drugs over a 24 to 48-hour period to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone is the first drug. It blocks the hormone progesterone from reaching the pregnancy. All pregnancies require progesterone to develop and grow. Without it, the pregnancy ends. 

The second drug, misoprostol, removes the pregnancy tissue from the body by causing contractions and bleeding. 

The FDA approves the use of abortion drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the side effects and risks you might expect:

Side Effects

• Bleeding
• Cramping 
• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Risks

• An incomplete abortion – the pregnancy ends, but not all of the pregnancy tissue leaves the body
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive symptoms such as an upset stomach

Surgical

A woman can have a surgical abortion at various stages of her pregnancy. Surgical procedures range from suction or vacuum aspiration to using a curette (a sharp scraping tool) or forceps to remove larger parts. How far along you are in your pregnancy determines the surgical procedure. 

Most surgical procedures require preparation, such as dilation (opening) of the cervix, which leads to the uterus. The surgery may also require either local or general anesthesia. 

Side Effects

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these are some of the side effects and risks you may experience:

• Cramping
• Bleeding

Risks

• Infection
• Uterine perforation (poking a hole in the uterus)
• Heavy bleeding
• Scar tissue forming on the uterine wall

What to Do Before an Abortion

Confirming your pregnancy before an abortion is vital. An ultrasound can confirm if your pregnancy is developing (viable) or if you have had a miscarriage. An ultrasound will also identify how far along you are in your pregnancy. 

There are other restrictions to be aware of. Talk with us to get the facts about your pregnancy and whether or not you qualify for a particular procedure. Schedule an appointment today.