Abortion may be an option you’re considering when faced with an unplanned pregnancy. Like any serious medical procedure, you deserve to know what to expect and the risks.
Pregnancy confirmation is important for understanding the health of your pregnancy and gestational age, as this determines if abortion is an option for you. At Heart to Heart Women’s Resource Center, we offer no-cost options information, and pregnancy confirmation services so you can be sure about your next step.
What You Want To Know
There are two types of abortion procedures to learn more about, medical and surgical abortion. Medical abortion is only recommended by the FDA for women up to 70 days gestation. Otherwise, a surgical abortion is your other potential option.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
Called many things like ‘the abortion pill,’ ‘home abortion,’ or ‘self-administered abortion,’ medical abortion is the process of terminating a pregnancy using two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
- First, mifepristone is taken. This drug blocks the pregnancy hormone called progesterone and without this hormone, the uterus lining begins thinning, and the fetus is detached from the uterus (where a pregnancy survives).
- Second, misoprostol is used which causes the uterus to contract and expel the fetus through the vagina, terminating the pregnancy.
There are multiple risks involved when taking these drugs that you should know of beforehand to protect your health. These risks include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
The process of surgical abortion includes anesthesia and surgical instruments to remove a fetus and placenta from the mother’s womb (uterus). The procedure is completed at an abortion clinic or doctor’s office.
There are two types of surgical abortion procedures. The first is a Dilation and curettage (D&C), which is done during the first trimester. This procedure uses small instruments or medication to dilate the cervix. A surgical instrument or suction device is then used to remove uterine tissue.
The second type of surgical abortion is called a Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) which is done in the second trimester of pregnancy. It includes a combination of vacuum aspiration, D&C, and surgical instruments.
Common risks involved with a surgical abortion include:
- Uterine perforation
- Infection
- Injury to the cervix
We Are Here for You
Our supportive staff at Heart to Heart is here for you. If you need clarity about your pregnancy and your options, schedule a no-cost and confidential appointment today.