Thinking of the option of Abortion?
Abortion is a serious medical procedure with risks and side effects. If you’re considering this pregnancy option, you deserve to know of these beforehand. You may have questions and concerns about the procedures and whether this option is for you. We know there can be so many internal and external pressures of life that come with an unplanned pregnancy – and we are here to help bring clarity in it all.
You are not on this journey alone. At The Pregnancy Resource Center, you can receive free and confidential support to learn more about abortion and your pregnancy options. Every decision you make has the ability to affect your future. Be sure of your decision today.
The Types of Abortion
There are two types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. They both work to terminate an existing pregnancy through two very different procedures. Each type of abortion has unique risks involved.
Medical Abortion (the abortion pill)
Women who are 10 weeks pregnant or earlier may be eligible for medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill method. In the process, two medications are taken within 24-48 hours, as well as following up with a doctor to see if the abortion was complete.
Mifepristone is the first medication prescribed and it works to block the womb from absorbing Progesterone – a pregnancy hormone. Blocking this hormone causes the lining of the uterus to thin and prevents the embryo from growing or implanting. Misoprostol is the second medication taken in the medical abortion process. It causes the uterus to contract, similar to birth, and expels the pregnancy through the vagina.
Possible Risks of Medical Abortion
- Incomplete abortion – may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Fever
Surgical Abortion
Medical surgery is done, along with anesthesia when it comes to surgical abortion. A surgical abortion ends a woman’s pregnancy by removing the fetus and placenta from the womb (uterus).
During a surgical abortion, the uterus is dilated and a small suction tube is put into the uterus. This suction device is used to remove the fetus and related pregnancy material from the uterus.
Possible Risks of Surgical Abortion
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation (accidentally putting a hole in the uterus with one of the instruments used)
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Know Your Options
To know if you are even eligible for abortion, confirm your pregnancy today with free lab-quality pregnancy testing and a limited obstetrical ultrasound at our center. An ultrasound confirms the viability of your pregnancy (if it has a heartbeat and is growing), how far along you are, and the location of your pregnancy.
Some women experience ectopic pregnancy (where the pregnancy is growing outside the uterus) and then do not qualify for an abortion. Confirming your pregnancy is vital to your health and alerting you of any complications.
Contact us today to confirm your pregnancy and know your options. We are here for you!
