Are you considering the option of abortion? You may have questions or doubts about abortion and we want to better inform you about each type of procedure. The two main types of abortion are surgical abortion and medication abortion. Know the facts and risks before making a final decision. You deserve to understand the facts. You are not alone!
1. Surgical Abortion
During a surgical abortion, anesthesia is given before the procedure. Next, surgical instruments are used to remove the pregnancy from the mother’s womb (uterus). This serious medical procedure is done at an abortion clinic or doctor’s office.
A surgical abortion involves dilating the cervix and using a suction tube to remove the contents of the pregnancy from the uterus. Different types of surgical abortion procedures are done at different points of pregnancy. Aspiration abortion is completed up to 14-16 weeks of pregnancy, while a D& E (dilation and evacuation) abortion is completed after the 14-16 week mark. To know what type of abortion you qualify for – an ultrasound is necessary.
Potential Risks of Surgical Abortion
Like every serious medical procedure, there are numerous physical risks to consider when exploring this option. Potential risks of surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the womb or cervix
- Uterine perforation
- 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
2.Medical Abortion
Also known as the abortion pill, medical abortion ends a pregnancy using two different drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Medical abortion is only recommended to women up to 10 weeks of pregnancy (first 70 days).
Mifepristone (the first drug) blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone – a hormone produced during pregnancy. Blocking this hormone prevents the embryo from implanting or growing any further. Next, Misoprostol (the second drug) makes the uterus contract and expels the pregnancy through the vagina. Normally, Mifepristone is prescribed at an abortion clinic and Misoprostol is taken at home – 24 to 48 hours later.
Potential Risks of Medical Abortion
The potential risks of medication abortion to think over before making a final decision are:
- Incomplete abortion ( may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Fever
Is Abortion for you?
While the final decision is up to you – you will first want determine if you qualify for abortion and prevent any complications. To know what abortion options you’re eligible for, confirm your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound at our center.
At Etowah Pregnancy Testing Center, we offer free ultrasounds to confirm that a pregnancy is viable (has a heartbeat & growing), is located within the uterus, and confirm the gestational age (how many weeks pregnant you are). It’s important to get an ultrasound as it can alert you to possible pregnancy complications like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (where the pregnancy grows outside the uterus). If either one of these complications is present, abortion is not an option, but a unique medical procedure would be done.
Schedule your appointment today to learn more about this option.
Etowah Pregnancy Testing Center does not perform or refer for abortions.