If you’re thinking about abortion, you may find yourself facing this choice under complex and challenging circumstances, with your own unique set of fears and uncertainties. While the decision to have an abortion is ultimately a personal one, understanding the potential risks involved is crucial to making an informed choice.
This difficult decision isn’t something you have to face alone. At Peak Women’s Care, we’re here to ensure you are fully informed and supported during this time of uncertainty. Reach out to us to schedule a free and confidential appointment.
The Risks of Abortion
There are two types of abortion procedures: medical and surgical. Which one is available to you depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy and other factors.
Before considering either, it’s essential to get an ultrasound to accurately date your pregnancy, know its location, and confirm viability. You can do this at Peak Women’s Center. Doing so will help unlock which options are available to you.
We’ll detail the specific risks involved in each type of abortion.
Medical Abortion risks
A medical abortion is the process of using drugs to terminate a pregnancy. Also known as the “abortion pill,” this method involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. It is FDA-approved through the first ten weeks of pregnancy.
The most immediate side effects will be vaginal bleeding and cramping in the stomach area. Many women report the process being more painful than they expected. Other side effects include upset stomach, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache.
Though this process uses two drugs to end a pregnancy, it is still a serious medical procedure that comes with risks. These risks include:
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The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
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An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
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Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
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Infection.
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Fever.
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Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
Surgical Abortion risks
A surgical abortion uses a combination of drugs, small scraping medical instruments, forceps, or vacuum/suction to empty the uterus and end a pregnancy. It’s usually performed later in pregnancy. As opposed to a medical abortion, where you will take the drugs at home, a surgical abortion is performed in a hospital or abortion clinic.
You will likely spend a few hours in a recovery room after the procedure to check for complications and heavy bleeding. Side effects of light bleeding, spotting, and cramping may happen over the course of a few days.
The risks of a surgical abortion include:
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Perforation of the uterus.
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Damage to the cervix.
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Scar tissue on the uterine wall.
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Infection. Infection after a D&C is rare.
Additionally, there is a risk for a condition known as Asherman’s syndrome. This can lead to unusual, absent, or painful menstrual cycles, future miscarriages, and infertility. It can often be treated with surgery.
Before Scheduling an Abortion
These are simply some of the associated risks of abortion and by no means all you need to know. Abortion also carries emotional and mental health risks you should be prepared for.
Before seeking an abortion, it’s crucial to get all the information you can on your specific pregnancy and circumstances to protect your health.
You can do this at Peak Women’s Care. We offer free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, options consultations, and more so you can feel equipped to make a confident decision.
Contact us to make an appointment today.
*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.