Abortion is a serious medical procedure with potential risks and side effects. If you are considering the option of abortion, you must know what the process entails.
Types of Abortion
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is an in-clinic surgical procedure to end a pregnancy. In the most common type of surgical abortion, dilation and curettage (D & C), a surgical instrument or medication is used to dilate your cervix. Then, the pregnancy is surgically removed through the vagina. Most times, a suction instrument is used to remove all contents of the pregnancy.
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
- Bleeding, including blood clots
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion uses medication to end a pregnancy. Also known as the abortion pill, medication abortion uses two drugs, Mifepristone, and Misoprostol. The first drug, Mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone causing the lining of the uterus to thin and preventing the embryo from implanting and growing. The second drug, Misoprostol, normally taken at home, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
Potential Risks Include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Is Abortion Right for me?
Ultimately, you are the only one who can decide if abortion is right for you. Knowing your options will help you decide. Many women are surprised to find out about an option they never considered before. Get informed and educated about every pregnancy option before making your final decision. Understand all the risks involved and the side effects. You will thank yourself later for it.
A Safe Place to Talk
At Grace Women’s Care Center, our caring team members are here to give you more information about your pregnancy options. You can talk safely and confidentially with us today. It’s vital to confirm your pregnancy before making a decision, as pregnancy complications or the gestational age of pregnancy could make you ineligible for certain abortion types.
Talk to us today to learn more.