The decision to have an abortion is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. Abortion is not only a serious medical procedure but a life-altering event that can greatly impact your health and future.

That’s why getting all the information you can before deciding is so important. By knowing the details about the abortion procedure and your pregnancy, you will be empowered to make the best decision for you and your body.

How Does Abortion Work?

There are two types of abortion, and each has its procedures and risks and side-effects.

Medical Abortion

While medical abortion is commonly called the “abortion pill,” it is a series of pills used to terminate a healthy pregnancy.

The first pill you take is mifepristone, a medication that will cause your body to stop growing the pregnancy.

The next medication you take is misoprostol, which contracts your uterus, causing your body to expel the pregnancy through the vagina.

It’s important to know that according to the FDA, a medical abortion should only be attempted in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy to avoid serious complications and health risks. That’s why it’s important to have an ultrasound scan to determine the age of your pregnancy before any procedure is attempted. 

Just like any other medication, there are known risks and side effects to be aware of.

Side effects can include:

  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Fever/chills
  • Diarrhea

Risks can include:

  • Incomplete abortion (which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus, which can lead to infection)
  • Hemorrhaging (losing too much blood)

Your medical history and other factors, such as using an IUD, can also impact the effectiveness or safety of a medical abortion, so it’s important to talk to a licensed medical professional before deciding this option is right for you.

Surgical Abortion

Just as the name describes, surgical abortion is an invasive medical procedure that is done by a licensed medical professional.

Before starting a surgical abortion, the doctor will first use local anesthesia to minimize the discomfort you may feel. 

During the procedure, your cervix is dilated (opened), and medical instruments are inserted into your uterus to remove the pregnancy through scraping and/or suction.

There are risks to surgical abortion, which include:

  • Uterine perforation (which is when medical instruments poke a hole in the uterus)
  • Cervical scarring (which can make menstrual periods painful)
  • Infection

Get the Answers You Need

Knowing all the facts about your pregnancy and all the options available to you will help you make the best decision.

Wellspring Pregnancy and Health Center can provide free pregnancy test confirmation and an ultrasound scan to learn more details, such as whether your pregnancy is less than 10 weeks old.

Our staff of trained professionals will not only provide you with important information about your pregnancy and what options are available to you, but they will also take the time to talk with you, learn about your fears and concerns, and help you feel empowered to make the best decision for yourself.

Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment and start getting the help and answers you deserve.