Considering Abortion?
Are You Considering Abortion?
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering abortion. An abortion might seem like an easy way out, but there are physical and emotional consequences. Learn as much as you can about the procedures, side effects, and potential risks.
The Different Types Of Abortion
There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. You need to know how far along your pregnancy is to determine if you have a medical or surgical abortion.
The best way to get the information you need is with an ultrasound. We offer no-cost ultrasound scans so that you can learn as much as possible about your pregnancy.
Medical Abortion
The abortion pill is a medical abortion method. It uses two drugs within a 24 to 48-hour period to terminate a pregnancy.
The length of your pregnancy can be no longer than 70 days from the first day of your last menstrual period. Do you know the date you got pregnant?
The first drug in the abortion pill method, mifepristone, blocks the uterus from absorbing a hormone called progesterone. Without progesterone, an embryo can no longer stay attached to the uterus and grow. This drug ends your pregnancy.
Misoprostol is the second drug you take. This drug causes bleeding and contractions to remove the pregnancy from your body.
Side Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the side effects you are likely to experience:
- Vaginal bleeding
- Cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Risks
The Mayo Clinic also lists these potential risks:
- An incomplete abortion that may need to be followed by a surgical abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortions
A surgical abortion is an in-clinic procedure. There are many types of surgical abortions. The length of your pregnancy determines which surgery you have.
The most common surgical abortion is the vacuum aspiration method. This procedure uses suction to remove the pregnancy from your body.
Another surgical abortion procedure is a D&E (dilation and evacuation), which uses a grasping tool to remove the pregnancy and tissue. Once removed, the abortion provider uses a curette to scrape the lining of your uterus to remove all tissue.
Side Effects
- Cramping
- Spotting
- Light bleeding
Risks
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Infection
What Should I Do First?
Take the time to get the facts. At Options Women’s Care Center, we provide no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasound, information on your options, and a supportive environment where you can talk freely. Make your appointment today.
We do not advise or refer for abortion.