If you’re considering abortion for your unplanned pregnancy, you’ll want to know what to expect before undergoing this procedure. Every woman’s experience is different, but it’s important to be aware of common side effects and possible risks of a surgical or medical abortion.
What Are The Common Abortion Side Effects?
Surgical
In-clinic surgical abortions are available between the 6th week and 24th week of pregnancy. A surgical abortion often occurs in the second trimester, after the pregnancy is no longer eligible for a medication abortion (which is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks gestation). This procedure requires visiting a clinic in person and undergoing the procedure, most times unanesthetized.
You may experience some common side effects, such as mild cramping, spotting or light bleeding. Concerning side effects are:
- Severe bleeding
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Feeling dizzy or faint
- Nausea/vomiting
- Severe Fever/Chills
- Foul smelling discharge
- Extreme emotions
Medication
It is important to know the gestational age of the pregnancy before the procedure. At Crossroads Women’s Center, we offer free ultrasounds that can confirm the fetus’s age, viability, and location.
The medication abortion procedure consists of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first is taken to end the pregnancy and the other forces uterine cramping to expel the pregnancy remnants.
You may experience some mild bleeding and spotting up to 30 days after the procedure. Concerning side effects include:
- Severe bleeding
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Severe Fever/Chills
- Foul smelling discharge
- No period/symptoms of pregnancy
What Are The Health Risks Of An Abortion?
Risks Of Surgical Abortion
The risks of it may include the following:
- Internal damage from one of the surgical instruments
- Excessive bleeding that gets worse instead of better
- Infection
- Scarring
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia used
- Not removing all of the tissue, which requires another procedure
Risks Of Medical Abortion
Potential risks of it include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
What if I Have More Questions?
Our center provides free, confidential pregnancy services, including a compassionate consultation where you can ask questions, share doubts or concerns, or learn about local resources.
As with any other medical procedure, it’s important to do your research and ensure you have complete peace of mind before making a final decision. We empower you with information and resources so you are confident in your pregnancy path. Contact us today!