There are two types of abortion procedures: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Each comes with its own risks to consider. If you’re thinking about abortion, keep reading to learn about how each procedure works, the risks, and how to be sure of where your pregnancy stands.
Medical Abortion
Known as the abortion pill, a medical abortion includes taking two powerful drugs that work to terminate an existing pregnancy.
Mifepristone first blocks the hormone progesterone to terminate the pregnancy. Next, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty the uterus of all pregnancy-related tissues through abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
The potential physical risks of a medical abortion include the following:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is much more invasive than a medical abortion. A surgical abortion involves dilation of the cervix and a mix of tools and suction. Multiple surgical instruments are used to remove the pregnancy.
There are multiple types of surgical abortion, but they all share similar physical risks, including:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Confirm Your Pregnancy Details
Know where your pregnancy stands to protect your health and determine if you’re eligible for abortion. It’s important to note that the abortion pill is only recommended by the FDA for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
It’s vital to receive an ultrasound after receiving a positive pregnancy test. An ultrasound can alert you to any possible pregnancy complications, such as ectopic pregnancy and miscarriage.
We’re Here for You
Charis Center provides no-cost, limited ultrasounds following a positive pregnancy test at our center. Our team can help you review your pregnancy options and answer any questions you have.
Contact us today to learn more about our ultrasounds. Please note that restrictions apply to this service, and we do not use our ultrasounds to determine the sex of your pregnancy.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.