Navigating An Unexpected Pregnancy

Understanding all your pregnancy options is essential as you begin this process. If you’re considering abortion, it’s important to be aware of the side effects and risks and to confirm key pregnancy details.

Abortion is a significant medical procedure, and it’s crucial to have all the facts before making a decision. Keep reading to learn more about abortion procedures.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion is used to terminate an early pregnancy and is FDA-approved for use up to ten weeks gestation. This procedure involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

• Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone, while misoprostol induces uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.
• Expect vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping if you undergo a medical abortion.

Possible side effects of this process include:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Fever
• Chills

Though rare, there are some potential risks associated with medical abortion, including:

• Infection
• Digestive system discomfort
• Heavy, prolonged bleeding
• Incomplete abortion, which may require surgical treatment
• An ongoing pregnancy if the medications don’t work

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is typically performed later in pregnancy and involves the use of medication, surgical instruments, or suctioning to terminate the pregnancy. Like medical abortion, this procedure will result in bleeding and cramping.

While complications are uncommon, the potential risks of surgical abortion can be serious. They include:

• Infection
• Uterine perforation
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall

Before An Abortion

If you’re thinking about abortion, safeguarding your health by gathering all necessary information is critical. Consult with a healthcare provider to review your complete medical history. Certain factors, such as allergies, having an IUD, specific health conditions, or being beyond a certain gestational age, can make you ineligible for an abortion procedure.

Confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound is also important, as it determines the viability, gestational age, and location of your pregnancy. This helps identify whether your pregnancy is progressing normally or if there are complications, such as a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which would require different medical treatment.

Request a free and confidential appointment today.

We do not provide or refer for abortions