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Are you considering abortion as you weigh all your pregnancy options? Know what to expect, the different types of abortions and risks, and confirm your pregnancy details before making your final decision.

Abortion Procedures

There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Each is done at different points of pregnancy, so it’s vital to know how far along you are. The FDA only recommends medical abortion (the abortion pill) for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy.

Medical Abortion

The first drug prescribed during a medical abortion is called mifepristone. This drug works to block the progesterone hormone. This causes the uterine lining to thin and prevents the embryo from growing and staying attached to the uterus.

Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later after mifepristone. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.

The Risks of a Medical Abortion

Experiencing the risks of mifepristone and misoprostol is not uncommon for women. There are risks to taking the abortion pill, including the following:

• The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion (this may require surgical treatment)
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach

Surgical Abortion

The two common types of surgical abortion are dilation & evacuation (D&E) and dilation & curettage (D&C). Both procedures work to dilate the cervix and use vacuum aspiration and surgical tools to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. 

Common physical risks of surgical abortion include the following: 

• Damage to the uterus or cervix
• Uterine perforation (accidentally poking 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 drugs or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
• Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure

Before An Abortion

Safeguard your health by fully understanding your pregnancy details and confirming what options you have. Both pregnancy testing and an ultrasound are needed before abortion.

An ultrasound can confirm how far along you are and alert you to any possible complications that need medical attention. We can provide both of these pregnancy services to you, free and confidentially.

Be informed today at Anderson Pregnancy Care. We’re here to help you navigate all your abortion questions and concerns. Schedule a pregnancy testing appointment today to get started.