What Are The Risks Of Abortion?
A positive pregnancy test can bring on big emotions. Feeling confused and scared isn’t uncommon. Women who do not feel ready for pregnancy often begin researching abortion options.
If that’s your situation, you’ve found a safe place of support.
Before jumping into an abortion, take a few minutes to understand the different types of procedures available and the side effects to prepare for.
What Abortion Options Are Available?
Expectant women have two options for pregnancy termination: medical or surgical abortion.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion is a procedure that involves taking medication to end a pregnancy. In order to qualify for a medical abortion, you must be no more than 9 weeks pregnant. If you’re unsure how far along your pregnancy is, our center can schedule you for a free ultrasound.
Commonly known as the abortion pill, a medical abortion begins with a dose of mifepristone. Mifepristone blocks a hormone called progesterone and does not allow the pregnancy to continue growing. After mifepristone, misoprostol is given to complete the abortion.
Misoprostol causes cramping and heavy bleeding as the pregnancy is passed. Side effects of medical abortions can range from mild to life-threatening:
- Incomplete abortion, which may require additional procedures
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection or sepsis
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
It is important to have a licensed medical professional prescribe and monitor your progress with the abortion pill. This will ensure you receive the proper medical attention should you experience any adverse reactions.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortions are performed in a clinic or hospital. The procedure begins by dilating the cervix and then uses either forceps or a vacuum to extract the pregnancy. Risks reported for surgical abortions include:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall; a condition known as Asherman’s syndrome
- Infection
Finding A Path Forward
Take a breath. You want to make decisions about your future from a place of confidence, not fear. At Elevate Women’s Centers, our staff will walk you through all the options available and help you discover the best path forward. You don’t have to go it alone. We’re here for you.
Pre-Abortion Screening
After finding out that you are pregnant, you may be considering an abortion. Regardless of whether you are wanting a medical or surgical abortion
Pregnancy Testing
Wondering if you might be pregnant? The first step to understanding your pregnancy options is by confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound scans identify critical health details about your pregnancy so you can protect your health and know your options.
Pre-Abortion Screening
After finding out that you are pregnant, you may be considering an abortion. Regardless of whether you are wanting a medical or surgical abortion
Pregnancy Testing
Wondering if you might be pregnant? The first step to understanding your pregnancy options is by confirming your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test.
Ultrasounds
Ultrasound scans identify critical health details about your pregnancy so you can protect your health and know your options.
