How Does Abortion Work?
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If you're considering the option of abortion - you will want to understand a bit more about this medical procedure, as well as the risks. This option is one with the most physical risks involved.
What type of abortion procedure you may receive will depend on how far along you are in your pregnancy. The only way to determine this and other major details of your pregnancy is with a lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound. Schedule a free and confidential pregnancy confirmation appointment with us to know what's next.
Types Of Abortion
Medical Abortion
Commonly known as the abortion pill, medical abortion is a medical procedure done for women up to 10 weeks, to terminate a pregnancy.
The first drug taken in the process is Mifepristone, which blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone, the pregnancy hormone. This causes the lining of the uterus to thin and prevents the embryo from growing. Secondly, Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
There are serious risks that come with this medical abortion procedure, including:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn't work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion may be completed if you are over 10 weeks pregnant. This type of abortion is much more invasive than a medical abortion, as a medical professional use surgical instruments to remove each part of the pregnancy. Anesthesia is given during this procedure to help with the pain.
Surgical abortion works to dilate the uterus and uses a suction tube to remove the fetus and related pregnancy material. There are also serious risks with this type of procedure, including:
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation (accidentally putting a hole in the uterus with one of the instruments used)
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Is Abortion For Me?
Now that you've learned a bit more about abortion and the risks, the decision is ultimately yours to make. Before an abortion, it's vital to understand all the details of your pregnancy with an ultrasound. It will let you know how far along you are, if you have a viable and growing pregnancy, and the location of your pregnancy. Ultrasounds will also alert you to any complications, which may eliminate the need for an abortion.
If you would like to talk more about this option and the risks, contact our team today. Get the clarity you need to make a decision. We are here to help.