Are you considering an abortion as you think over your pregnancy options? A pregnancy decision is definitely not an easy one, and you deserve the facts.

As this decision can affect your health, it’s important to understand the risks of abortion. If you’d like to learn more after reading this blog, our caring team at Life Options Clinic is here to listen and offer clarity.

How Does Medical Abortion Work?

Also called ‘the abortion pill,’ medical abortion is a two-step regimen of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone is prescribed at an abortion clinic or medical facility. It works to block progesterone, an essential pregnancy hormone. This process causes thinning of the uterus lining and causes fetal demise. 

Misoprostol is taken next, between 24-48 hours later at home, causing cramps and contractions that expel the embryo from your body through the vagina. 

Potential Risks of A Medical Abortion 

The Mayo Clinic explains possible complications associated with a medical abortion, including:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours)
• Severe abdominal or back pain
• Fever lasting more than 24 hours
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

What Is a Surgical Abortion?

The first step to a surgical abortion includes dilating the cervix (the opening of the uterus) and then using suction and surgical tools to remove the pregnancy.

The multiple types of surgical abortion procedures include  vacuum aspiration, dilation & curettage (D&C), and dilation & evacuation (D&E). Each type performed depends on the facility and how far along you are. 

During a Vacuum aspiration, a suction method is done to remove a first-trimester pregnancy. With a D&C, the pregnancy is removed with both suction and a sharp surgical instrument. 

During a D&E abortion procedure, a mix of vacuum aspiration, dilation & curettage, and more surgical tools are used to remove the pregnancy contents.

Potential Risks of Surgical Abortion

According to Mayo Clinic, possible risks of surgical abortion include:

• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

Protect Your Health

Confirming your pregnancy’s gestation and ruling out ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage can improve personal safety. 

Know about your pregnancy details today with free and confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasound at our clinic. Schedule an appointment today.

You are not alone in your pregnancy!