Abortion is a much-talked-about solution for an unplanned pregnancy in our culture, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t health risks.
Abortion can have serious health consequences, not only impacting your physical well-being but your mental and emotional health, as well.
Before choosing to terminate your pregnancy, it is critical to learn more about the abortion pill and how it could impact you.
What is the Abortion Pill?
Mifepristone and misoprostol are the two drugs that make up the abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone and causes the pregnancy to detach and stop growing. Then, misoprostol creates uterine contractions, which lead to the passing of the pregnancy through the vagina.
According to the FDA, the abortion pill should not be used to terminate a pregnancy beyond 10 weeks gestation.
Physical Health Risks
Every woman may react differently to the abortion pill. While bleeding and cramping are expected as the pregnancy is expelled, some women may also experience the following:
- Incomplete abortion, which may require a follow-up surgical procedure
- Ongoing pregnancy
- Infection
- Fever
- Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms after an abortion:
- Soak through two or more pads in an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Racing heart
- Chills or body aches
- A fever for more than four hours or that begins after you take misoprostol
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Mental Health Risks
Maybe you’re hoping to feel relief after having an abortion, or you’re expecting feelings of sadness or grief that will pass with time.
Studies show that the impact abortion can have on your mental well-being can be long-lasting.
Post-abortive women are at higher risk for developing the following mental health issues:
- Depressive disorders
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Suicidal behaviors
- Substance abuse
Find Help Today
Before making a pregnancy decision, learning more about your pregnancy and options is critical.
The first step is confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test and having a follow-up ultrasound.
Wellspring Pregnancy and Health Center provides these services for free. After learning more about your pregnancy, our trained staff can answer your questions, discuss your options, and provide helpful resources.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
Wellspring Pregnancy and Health Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
