Unplanned pregnancies can be scary and overwhelming.
Maybe you feel that having an abortion will allow you to return to your normal life and put the pregnancy behind you.
However, it is important to recognize that the abortion pill can have lasting effects on your health.
For the sake of your health and future, consider the physical and mental effects of abortion before terminating your pregnancy.
What is the Abortion Pill?
Medical abortion, commonly referred to as the abortion pill, terminates a pregnancy through the use of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone thins the uterine lining by blocking the hormone progesterone. As a result, the pregnancy detaches and is unable to grow.
Then, misoprostol creates uterine contractions, and the woman passes the pregnancy through her vagina.
Physical Effects of Abortion
Physical risks associated with the abortion pill include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive discomfort
After a medical abortion, seek immediate medical attention if you are soaking through more than two pads per hour for two hours, have severe abdominal or back pain, have a fever for more than 24 hours, or experience foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Mental Health Effects of Abortion
The impact of abortion on mental health can be significant. Some women feel the effects of the abortion immediately, while other women may not be impacted until later in life.
Often, women expect to experience sadness and grief, but according to the National Library of Medicine, abortion may also cause serious mental health issues, including:
- Major depression
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Anxiety
- Suicidal Behaviors
- Nervous disorders
- Sleep disturbance
- Substance abuse
Get the Help You Deserve
You don’t have to face this alone. HopePlace Monticello is here to support you.
Our trusted team can provide you with a free pregnancy test and an ultrasound scan referral. After learning more about your pregnancy, the team can answer your questions and help you better understand your options.
Contact us today for a confidential appointment.