While abortion often seems like the simplest solution when facing an unplanned pregnancy, it is a serious medical procedure that carries risks and can have physical impacts on a woman’s body.
If you are considering an abortion, it’s vital for your health that you get all the details you can about the procedure and be aware of how it might impact you physically.
Types of Abortion
There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, uses a series of drugs to terminate a viable pregnancy. These drugs prevent your pregnancy from growing and then force your body to expel it.
The FDA has warned that attempting a medical abortion after 10 weeks of pregnancy can lead to serious complications and health risks, including an incomplete abortion.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is an invasive medical procedure that involves dilating your cervix and then inserting surgical tools, including a suction device, into your uterus to remove the pregnancy and related tissues.
During a surgical abortion, the doctor will likely use local anesthesia to minimize any pain or discomfort you may feel.
What Happens Physically After an Abortion?
While each woman’s body can respond to abortion differently, there are common side effects you may experience after an abortion. Every abortion involves bleeding and cramping.
Other common side effects include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhea
Whether these side effects are severe or mild depends on your body and how it responds to the abortion procedure.
Both medical and surgical abortion procedures have a risk of severe health complications that can occur after an abortion, including an incomplete abortion, damage to your cervix and uterus, and infection.
Symptoms that you are experiencing health complications after an abortion procedure include:
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Bleeding that is heavy enough that pads need to be changed every hour for more than two hours
- Pain that worsens instead of improving
It is vital for the sake of your health and well-being that you seek medical attention right away if you begin to develop any of the above symptoms after an abortion procedure.
Get the Facts You Need
Getting the details and facts about your pregnancy is the best tool for ensuring you have the information you need to make the best decision for your health.
Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, HopePlace provides you with access to free pregnancy test confirmation and ultrasound scans. We can answer your questions regarding your pregnancy and what options are available to you.
Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.