Finding out you are facing an unplanned pregnancy can leave you with many questions, especially as you consider your options.

If abortion is one of the options you are considering, you may be wondering how it would impact your physical health. Read on to learn important information that can help protect your health. 

Types of Abortion

There are two primary types of abortion: medical and surgical.

A medical abortion uses a regimen of drugs to end a progressing pregnancy. This type of abortion procedure is only FDA-approved for use within the first ten weeks of pregnancy.

A surgical abortion is an invasive medical procedure that involves dilating your cervix and then using surgical tools and a suction device to remove the pregnancy from your uterus.

Physical Impact of Abortion

Common side effects from both abortion procedures include abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. These side effects can range from mild to severe, depending on the procedure and how your body responds.

While each woman’s body is different in how it responds to side effects from abortion, there are also several known physical risks from an abortion procedure that you need to be aware of for the sake of your health.

The known risks of a medical abortion include the following:

  • Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
  • An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Digestive system discomfort

While the risks of a surgical abortion procedure are:

  • Perforation of the uterus
  • Damage to the cervix
  • Scar tissue on the uterine wall
  • Infection

Signs of Physical Complications After Abortion

If you’ve already had an abortion or are considering one, several symptoms can be indicators that you are developing severe physical complications.

You should seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing any of the following signs or symptoms after an abortion:

  • Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
  • Severe abdominal or back pain
  • Fever lasting more than 24 hours
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Pain that gets worse instead of better
  • Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Cramps lasting more than 48 hours (after surgical abortion)

Get the Help You Need

Discovering you are facing an unplanned pregnancy can leave you scared and confused as you try to figure out your options and wonder who you can talk to.

The good news is you are not alone; the trained team at Wellspring Pregnancy and Health Center is here for you.

We offer free and confidential appointments, from pregnancy test confirmation and a follow-up ultrasound scan to valuable information about all your options. We’ll also take the time to answer all your questions.

Contact us today to schedule your appointment; you deserve the information and space you need to make the best decision for your health and future.