Even with advanced abortion methods, there are real risks that are possible with an abortion procedure. If you are considering this option for your pregnancy, it’s worth researching the different possible symptoms and risks.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion procedure requires an in-person visit to a clinic where an abortion provider uses a combination of suction and gynecological instruments to remove the pregnancy.
There are two types of surgical abortions: dilation and curettage abortion (D&C) and dilation and evacuation abortion (D&E).
The procedures are similar, but a D&E abortion usually occurs later in the pregnancy and relies on more surgical tools like forceps, as it occurs later in pregnancy when the fetus is more developed.
Risks of a D&C Surgical Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, the risks include:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
The Abortion Pill
The abortion pill can be used only up to 10 weeks of gestational age, and it consists of two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone ends the pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone, so the embryo cannot continue to grow.
Misoprostol induces cramping, so the body is forced to expel the embryo and pregnancy tissues.
Risks of the Abortion Pill
According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of medical abortion include:
- 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
How Do I Make an Informed Choice?
If you’ve already verified your pregnancy with a reliable pregnancy test, the next step is to schedule a no-cost ultrasound at our center.
With an ultrasound, you can learn the age, location, and viability of the pregnancy. The location of the pregnancy can alert you to whether or not the pregnancy is ectopic. Untreated ectopic pregnancies are dangerous and can be life-threatening.
The age can inform what procedure you are potentially eligible for. The viability can also inform whether or not you have had a miscarriage.
Not only do we provide no-cost pregnancy services, but we also provide a safe space for you to ask questions, share any questions or concerns, and gain more information so you can make an informed decision. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!