Are you trying to decide what pregnancy option is right for you? Maybe you feel overwhelmed with the idea of parenting or adoption, and are contemplating what feels like your only other option: abortion. What are the risks of abortion?
With the serious medical procedure of abortion comes serious risks. Take time to understand all your options to make a confident decision for your future.
What are the Types of Abortion?
Early Medication Abortion (the abortion pill)
There are two types of drugs used in the early medication abortion process to terminate a pregnancy: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Early medication abortion is only effective for women up to 10 weeks pregnant.
The first drug, Mifepristone, works to block the progesterone hormone, causing thinning of the uterus and preventing the embryo from implanting and growing. Then, Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortions are performed at the abortion site and include anesthesia, dilation (opening) of the cervix, and multiple surgical instruments. If you are 11-13 weeks pregnant, a D & C (dilation and curettage) is done. This abortion procedure uses a vacuum and scraping tool to remove the pregnancy.
If you are over 13 weeks pregnant, your cervix will be dilated too and a D & E (dilation and evacuation) done. Along with the vacuum and scraping tool, instruments like forceps are used to make sure every part of the pregnancy is removed.
The Risks of Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, here are potential risks of medication abortion:
- Incomplete abortion (may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- Heavy/prolonged bleeding
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Fever
According to the Mayo Clinic, here are potential risks of surgical abortion:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
- Heavy bleeding
- Cramping
What are Your Options?
The first step to knowing all your pregnancy options is to confirm your pregnancy! Even at-home pregnancy tests can be inaccurate at times.
There is so much to know past a positive pregnancy test. Get a free pregnancy test and find out more today at our center.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment to get started and learn your options.