There are a multitude of reasons why an unplanned pregnancy can be stressful. Whether you worry about finances, your relationships, or plans for the future, a positive pregnancy test can overwhelm you if you aren’t planning on it.
As you consider abortion, it’s essential to understand the different types of procedures and associated risks. Keep reading so you can make an informed decision about your pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion removes the pregnancy through an in-clinic surgical procedure. You may be placed under anesthesia while an abortion provider uses a mixture of suction and instruments to terminate and remove the pregnancy.
Side-Effects of a D&C Surgical Abortion
While there are associated risks, knowing what side effects you can expect after this procedure is helpful. According to the Mayo Clinic, typical side effects of surgical abortions include:
- Bleeding, including blood clots
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Feeling faint
Risks of a D&C Surgical Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, the risks include:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill, also known as medical abortion, is a series of two medications taken within 24-48 hours of each other. This procedure is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks of gestation.
The first drug, mifepristone, prevents the hormone progesterone from reaching the pregnancy. After this ends the pregnancy, the second medication, misoprostol, is taken to induce abdominal cramping to expel the embryo and pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
Risks of the Abortion Pill
In addition to side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, Mayo Clinic lists the following potential risks of medical abortion:
- 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
How Do I Make an Informed Choice?
Understanding the types of procedures is just one step in your journey to an informed choice. If you’ve already taken a positive pregnancy test, we recommend scheduling a no-cost limited ultrasound with us.
This important scan can give you additional information, such as the pregnancy’s gestational age, location, and viability. These details can inform you of what sort of procedures you qualify for. If the pregnancy is outside the uterus, you’ll need a procedure other than abortion to remove the pregnancy.
Take your reproductive health into your own hands. Schedule now a free and confidential appointment today!