An accidental pregnancy can be scary. We understand emotions can run high, which may cause women to seek out a quick solution to their dilemma. If that’s you and you’ve been considering abortion, take a pause before scheduling the procedure.
Educating yourself on the abortion process and the risks involved may help empower your decision and bring clarity on what’s best for your future. Here’s a quick breakdown of what an abortion involves and the risks to understand.
What Is An Abortion?
An abortion is a medical or surgical procedure designed to terminate a pregnancy.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortions are intended for women no more than 9 weeks pregnant. Using a combination of the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol, a medical abortion begins by blocking progesterone to stop the pregnancy from growing.
About 48-72 hours after the process has begun, women will experience strong uterine contractions, which will expel the pregnancy. Side effects from a medical abortion include fever, nausea, digestive system discomfort, and infection.
Surgical Abortion
Women who are further along in their pregnancy may require a surgical abortion for termination. Surgical abortions require a hospital or clinic visit and can last up to 3 hours.
The process begins by gently opening the cervix. A suction device or forceps are used next to remove the pregnancy. Sometimes a curettage is used to scrape the inside of the uterus to be sure no tissue is left behind.
Risks Involved
Not every woman will experience severe side effects from an abortion. But it’s important to know what could happen in order to prepare for a better recovery.
Risks associated with a medical abortion are incomplete abortion, heavy or prolonged bleeding, sepsis, and fever.
Because the procedure is more invasive, a surgical abortion carries greater risk. Documented risks following a surgical abortion include perforation of the uterus, damage to the cervix, scar tissue on the uterine wall, and infection.
Deciding What’s Right For You
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure what to do next, please know you’re not alone. Fayette Pregnancy Resource Center exists to support women physically, emotionally, and spiritually through an unplanned pregnancy.
Our center provides no-cost pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and education on all the options available to you. Take the guesswork out of your decision-making, and come see us. Appointments are easy and always confidential.
Simply call 770-719-2288 to set up an appointment whenever you’re ready. We’re here for you, and we believe in your future!