Abortion is a serious procedure that terminates and removes a pregnancy from your uterus.
If you’re thinking about abortion for your pregnancy, it’s critical to learn all you can to protect your health.
Read on to learn more about the different types of abortion, how they work, and the potential risks these procedures pose to your health.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion (also referred to as the “abortion pill”) involves taking two powerful drugs.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone. This hormone is essential during pregnancy. Without progesterone, your uterine lining will thin, and your pregnancy will detach and end.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through your vagina.
After taking the abortion drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Every woman’s experience will be unique.
These drugs are also associated with physical risks, which include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under, so it’s essential to know how far along you are before seeking this option.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic, and it involves the use of medical instruments and strong suction to terminate and remove your pregnancy.
This option comes with risks, which include:
- Uterine perforation (which is when one of the medical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus)
- Uterine scarring (which can cause painful periods or future infertility)
- Cervical damage
- Infection
How to Protect Your Health
Before seeking an abortion, it’s essential to get an ultrasound. This scan will give you the key details you need to know about your pregnancy to stay safe.
At Safe Harbor Women’s Medical Clinic, we offer no-cost, limited ultrasounds because we believe you deserve the information you need to make an informed decision.
Contact us today to schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment.