Abortion is a big decision with significant physical and mental health implications. When facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering your options, you’ll want to be informed to make the best decision.
Though the chances of experiencing an abortion risk are relatively low, various factors can increase the likelihood that one occurs. Unsanitary medical tools, a more advanced pregnancy, or a complicated procedure can all result in developing a health issue. We’ll outline what you need to know about abortion risks below.
How is an Abortion Performed?
The two main abortion procedures offered in the United States are medical abortion and surgical abortion. Medical abortion is used to terminate a pregnancy up to 10 weeks, while surgical abortion is typically used later in pregnancy.
Medical abortion uses two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that sustains the pregnancy, while misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy tissue through the vagina.
Surgical abortion is a more complicated procedure that combines medications, surgical instruments, and a suctioning technique to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
Common side effects of both abortion methods include abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
Risks of Abortion You Should Know
Every woman considering abortion should know about the risks each procedure entails. For example, though medical abortion may seem like a straightforward procedure, it can create health consequences that can be serious.
Risks of medical abortion include:
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion
Surgical abortion can result in severe physical risks, including:
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
Before an Abortion
If you are unexpectedly pregnant and considering abortion, there are several things you’ll want to do first. Confirming your pregnancy with a free pregnancy test and receiving an obstetric ultrasound will confirm key pregnancy details like viability, gestational age, and location. You need this information to identify specific health conditions that may require treatment and determine whether you are eligible for an abortion.
Be sure to receive accurate options information so that you understand the pros and cons of abortion, adoption, and parenting. Crossroads Life Center offers free, medical-grade pregnancy tests, ultrasound referrals, and options information in a warm, non-judgmental space.
Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment. We’re here for you.