The news of an unplanned pregnancy is hard to accept. You may feel confused and even a little scared. Before you schedule an abortion, learn about every option.
Abortion is a serious medical procedure that comes with risks and side effects. You deserve to know the facts before making up your mind.
Types of Abortion
Medication Abortion
Medication abortion, also known as the abortion pill method, uses two different drugs to terminate an existing pregnancy.
Mifepristone is the first drug you take. This drug blocks the uterus from absorbing a crucial hormone called progesterone. The uterine lining thins, preventing the embryo from growing. This step terminates the pregnancy.
The second pill, misoprostol, causes the uterus to bleed and contract to expel the pregnancy. Only women up to 10 weeks pregnant are eligible for medication abortion.
Medication Abortion Risks:
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Digestive system discomfort
- Incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
- Infection
- Fever
Surgical Abortion
The two main types of surgical abortion are vacuum aspiration and D&E. Vacuum aspiration abortions are done up to 14 weeks of pregnancy. The doctor inserts a vacuum tube into your uterus and removes the pregnancy with suction.
Doctors may use a D&E (dilation and evacuation) in the second trimester, after 13 weeks of pregnancy. The doctor opens (dilates) your cervix and uses medical instruments such as forceps and a curette to remove the pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion Risks:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
- Heavy bleeding
Before Your Abortion
First, you need to confirm your pregnancy through no-cost pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound. Only ultrasounds give you the information you need to determine your abortion procedure.
Receive no-cost, confidential pregnancy confirmation and limited ultrasound services at La Luz Women’s Center. Schedule your appointment today.
