Choosing abortion for an unexpected pregnancy is a big decision that requires thought. While others may have told you that it’s a simple medical procedure, the truth is there are side effects and risks you should understand before deciding.
Informed Choices Women’s Center wants you to learn the facts about all pregnancy options so you can make the best possible choice.
Side Effects and Risks of Abortion
There are two types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Each has its own side effects and risks you should know about.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion is FDA-approved through ten weeks of gestation (how long you have been pregnant). It uses mifepristone to block progesterone and misoprostol to cause uterine contractions and expel the pregnancy and associated tissue from the body.
You’ll have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding with this type of abortion. You could also experience a headache, diarrhea, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting.
While you could develop a medical abortion-related risk, this likelihood is rare. Risks vary and include the following:
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion, which may require surgical treatment
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion uses surgical instruments and suctioning to end the pregnancy. As with medical abortion, you’ll have bleeding and cramping.
The risks, while rare, can be severe and include:
- Infection
- Damage to the cervix
- Uterine perforation (this occurs when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
Before a Pregnancy Decision
Informed Choices Women’s Center wants you to decide with all the facts in hand. Your first no-cost, confidential appointment is with a registered nurse, who will direct you to other services and can discuss pregnancy options.
Our medical team is here to help you with an unexpected pregnancy. We don’t provide or refer for abortions, but we have the information you need to truly make an informed choice.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Mountain Home location (870-424-4673) and Harrison location (870-280-3169).