Feeling overwhelmed by your options? Learning about all your options, including abortion, is crucial before making a decision about your unplanned pregnancy.

Read on to discover the details of a medical and surgical abortion and the side effects you might encounter.

Medical Abortion

A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, uses drugs to terminate an existing pregnancy. Women who are fewer than ten weeks pregnant may qualify for a medical abortion if no other complications are present.

The process begins with a dose of mifepristone, which blocks a hormone called progesterone.

After 24-48 hours have passed, a dose of misoprostol is prescribed, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

Side Effects and Risks of Medical Abortion

A medical abortion can bring on some unpleasant side effects and risks. Risks associated with a medical abortion include:

• Incomplete abortion
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

Because you never know how your body will respond to abortion drugs, undergoing a medical abortion under the supervision of your doctor is advised.

Surgical Abortion

As the name suggests, a surgical abortion is an outpatient surgical procedure that removes an unplanned pregnancy.

A surgical abortion begins with your doctor slowly dilating the cervix to access the womb. Once the cervix is open, a small suction device or forceps are used to remove the pregnancy.

To ensure no tissue is left behind, as this can cause serious infection, a small surgical tool called a curette is used to scrape the internal lining of the uterus.

Side Effects and Complications of Surgical Abortion

Everyone’s body is unique and may experience various side effects, from mild to severe. Commonly reported side effects of a surgical abortion include nausea, cramping, or bleeding.

More serious complications can occur and include:

• Perforation of uterus
• Infection
• Scar tissue on uterine wall
• Damage to the cervix

What’s Right for Me?

Only you can decide what’s best for your unplanned pregnancy. The key to making a confident choice is informed consent, which means learning about all your options and their pros and cons.

Heart of the Hills is here to provide honest answers about your pregnancy. Our friendly staff will walk you through the steps needed to ensure you receive the quality care you deserve.

Simply call 830-456-8840 when you’re ready to set up a free pregnancy confirmation or options counseling appointment. Or you can contact us via our website.

We’re in your corner every step of the way.