If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy you may be considering an abortion. While there are different types of abortions, they are all medical procedures that carry a chance of side effects and risks.
That’s why it’s important for you to have all the information you need, so you can make the best decision for your health and future.
Different Types of Abortion
There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical abortion. It should be noted that medical abortion can only be used in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Medical Abortion
Commonly referred to as the abortion pill, a medical abortion procedure consists of two medications taken over a 24 to 48-hour period.
The first medication is Mifepristone, and it blocks your body from producing the pregnancy hormone progesterone. This absence of progesterone prevents the pregnancy from attaching to your uterus. The second medication is called Misoprostol, and it forces your uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy from your body.
Risks of Medical Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic there are several known risks with a medical abortion, that include:
- Incomplete abortion–likely requiring a follow-up surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is an invasive medical procedure, done in a medical clinic that involves anesthesia and the use of surgical instruments. During a surgical abortion, your cervix is dilated and medical professionals use instruments, including a suction device to remove the pregnancy from your uterus.
Risks of Surgical Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are potential risks of surgical abortion, including:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
- Heavy bleeding
- Cramping
Before an Abortion
If you think you are pregnant, or have received a positive result from a home pregnancy test, the first step is confirming your pregnancy with a free, lab-quality pregnancy test at Heart of the Hills.
If that test is positive, we may recommend a complimentary ultrasound to help provide you with important information about your pregnancy. The ultrasound will help determine the age of your pregnancy, as well as the location and viability of your pregnancy. An ultrasound can also detect any potential complications–like an ectopic pregnancy, which is a condition that requires immediate medical intervention to protect your health.
It’s your body, and your future, so you deserve to get the best information possible about your pregnancy to empower you to make the best decision.
Contact us today to schedule a free and confidential appointment to confirm your pregnancy and start getting the answers and peace of mind you need.
