As you navigate an unplanned pregnancy, you deserve the facts. Abortion has serious risks and side effects, such as infection, bleeding, etc. If considering an abortion, there are steps to safeguard your health beforehand.
We offer free and confidential pregnancy services so you can get clarity about your pregnancy to confirm your options.
Common Risks of Abortion
A study by the National Library of Medicine shows there is a risk for serious, long-term health effects of abortion. Whether it’s medical or surgical abortion, both share these physical risks:
1. Infection
Infection may happen if there is a failure to exercise medical precautions before the procedure, including hand washing, surgical glove use, proper sterilization of the field, and use of non-sterile instruments.
An infection could also be due to pre-existing infectious conditions in a patient, like cervicitis or endometritis.
2. Heavy/Prolonged Bleeding
While heavy bleeding can be a normal side effect of abortion, it’s essential to watch out for heavy and prolonged bleeding with blood clots.
Getting medical help is also crucial if you experience severe bleeding — soaking more than two thick pads within an hour.
3. Incomplete Abortion
An incomplete abortion happens when the pregnancy is not entirely removed from the uterus. According to NHS, “needing another procedure to remove parts of the pregnancy that have stayed in the womb: this happens to about 70 out of 1,000 women.”
Signs of an incomplete abortion usually come with moderate to severe vaginal bleeding and lower abdominal and pelvic pain. It’s vital to catch this type of complication early as it can lead to serious health risks if not treated immediately.
Other Physical Risks
For surgical abortion, other side effects include:
- Blood clots
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Feeling faint
According to the Mayo Clinic, other side effects of a medical abortion include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
We’re Here for You
We know this journey can be scary, but you are not alone. Contact us today to confirm your pregnancy and understand your options. We are here for you!
