Multiple procedures end a pregnancy, and they each have side effects and risks. Understanding these procedures can help you make a decision for your unexpected pregnancy.
Next Step Pregnancy Decision and Support Services will walk you through each pregnancy option and answer your questions as you decide. Continue reading to learn more about abortion.
What is Abortion?
Abortion ends a pregnancy, and the type of procedure a woman has hinges on her eligibility, which includes how far along she is.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy. It is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, which is a hormone that helps the pregnancy develop. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot grow, and it will detach from the uterine lining and end.
Misoprostol, the second drug, causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy from the body. When taking these drugs, the woman experiences abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
Side effects associated with these drugs include:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Medical abortion is also associated with the following risks:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (the body does not release all the pregnancy tissue, which may need surgical treatment)
Not everyone is eligible for a medical abortion, especially if they have certain medical conditions, are allergic to the drugs used, or are too far along. Surgical abortion occurs later in pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion uses a combination of surgical tools, drugs, and suctioning to end a pregnancy. The procedure varies based on how far along the woman is.
These procedures can cause mild cramping and spotting or light bleeding for several days afterward.
Certain risks are associated with surgical abortion, including:
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can lead to painful periods or infertility)
- Damage to the cervix
- Uterine perforation (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
Making a pregnancy decision is a significant moment in your life, and we’ll support you as you consider your options.
Free and Confidential Coaching
Next Step Pregnancy Decision and Support Services provides pregnancy options counseling, ultrasounds, and more to help you get information about your pregnancy and options. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll be in making a decision.
Make a free and confidential appointment today.
Next Step Pregnancy Decision and Support Services does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.