Some women feel abortion is their only option. It’s vital to have accurate information and answers to your questions so you can make the choice that is right for you. You should know that abortion is a medical or surgical procedure that you will need to think through carefully. This procedure involves risks and side effects. Here are more details if you’re considering abortion, so you can make an informed decision.
Types of Abortion
Medication Abortion
(available if less than 10 weeks gestation)
A medication abortion procedure involves a series of two pills that are taken within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Mifepristone, the first abortion pill, cuts off the flow of Progesterone, a pregnancy hormone. Misoprostol, the second abortion pill, induces labor-like contractions to expel the pregnancy from the uterus.
Risks of medication 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
Surgical Abortion
(Up to 13 weeks gestation)
A common surgical abortion procedure is the Manual or Vacuum Aspiration procedure. This process involves using a syringe or vacuum to eliminate the pregnancy from your uterus. If you are beyond 6 weeks your cervix will need to be dilated and a Dilation and Curettage (D&C) will be performed. A curette may be inserted to scrape the uterus and a vacuum will then suction the fetus out of the womb through a tube.
(13 weeks gestation to 24 weeks gestation)
During your 2nd trimester the abortion method most commonly used is dilation and evacuation (D&E). The cervix will need to be dilated further than with the D&C, forceps will be used to remove the fetus or fetal parts. The remaining fetal tissue and afterbirth is removed by suction/evacuation. Risks increase the further along you are in your pregnancy.
Risks of surgical abortion:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Receive Help Today
If you’re still considering abortion, you will need to know how far along you are in your pregnancy to determine your eligibility for certain types of abortions. An obstetrical ultrasound is necessary to confirm the gestational age and make sure it is a viable pregnancy (a fetal heartbeat inside the uterus).
Making a pregnancy decision is never easy and is not something to rush into. Our client advocates are here to talk with you and support you at this time. Whether you need more information about your options or need to confirm your pregnancy, we got your back. Our team provides a judgment-free zone where you can safely talk about your pregnancy situation.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today. We look forward to helping you in any way we can.