If you’re considering abortion, it’s important to understand what each procedure involves before making a decision. The type of abortion performed depends largely on how far along the pregnancy is, which is why confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound is an important first step.
At Choices Pregnancy Center, we offer free, confidential pregnancy services and options education to help you receive accurate information. Schedule your appointment today.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
Medical abortion, often called the abortion pill, uses two drugs to end an early pregnancy.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to support pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
This method is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation; taking abortion drugs after this timeframe is not recommended.
As these drugs work to end and expel your pregnancy, you’ll experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which some women report as being unexpectedly severe. Additionally, common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, and a headache.
Possible risks include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion requiring additional treatment
- Ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital and involves ending and removing the pregnancy using suction, medical instruments, or both. The specific procedure depends on the stage of pregnancy.
After the procedure, women commonly experience cramping and vaginal bleeding or spotting for a period of time.
Although complications are uncommon, potential risks may include:
- Heavy bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to the cervix
- Damage to or perforation of the uterus
- An incomplete abortion, potentially requiring another procedure
Understanding these potential risks allows you to ask informed questions before making your decision.
Why an Ultrasound Matters First
Before considering any abortion procedure, confirming important pregnancy details through an ultrasound is recommended.
First, are you sure you’re pregnant? Confirming your pregnancy with our free pregnancy test or with a medical professional is essential before proceeding.
An ultrasound exam can determine your stage of pregnancy, whether the pregnancy appears to be developing, and whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus. This information is important for protecting your health and understanding your available options. For instance, an ectopic pregnancy can be a life-threatening situation for you or affect your ability to conceive again. This ultrasound exam is very important.
We offer this service following a positive pregnancy test with us or proof of pregnancy.
Here to Help
At Choices Pregnancy Center, we provide all the information needed to make a decision you feel confident about. Only you can decide what’s best for your pregnancy and future; we’re here to help you feel more informed.
Schedule your free and confidential appointment with us today.
Choices Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.