A pregnancy decision is not always easy. If you’re considering abortion, you probably have lots of questions. Take the time you need to understand how abortion works and the risks. You also should confirm your pregnancy details to safeguard your health. Talk to us about abortion today.
Get the Facts
There are both side effects and risks that come with abortion. There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion (the abortion pill) and surgical abortion. Medical abortion consists of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, that terminate an existing pregnancy. Risks of this type of abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical abortion is typically done later in pregnancy. There are multiple surgical procedures, including dilation & curettage (D&C) and dilation & evacuation (D&E). The type will depend on the facility and how far along you are, but all surgical abortion types share similar risks, including:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Confirm Your Pregnancy Details
The Mayo Clinic recommends speaking to a medical professional to evaluate your medical history and health. Confirm the following pregnancy details before an abortion:
- Confirm your pregnancy with a physical exam
- Get an ultrasound exam to date the pregnancy and check that it’s not outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy)
- Do blood and urine tests
- Learn how the procedure works, the side effects, and possible risks and complications
After a positive pregnancy test, get an ultrasound to learn if you qualify for abortion and what type of abortion procedure, as medical abortion is only approved by the FDA through ten weeks of pregnancy.
Free Pregnancy Services
We offer free lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds if you qualify. Our team can help you review your test results and answer your questions.
Schedule a confidential appointment to learn more about abortion and your options. We’re here to help you be informed.
