Abortion is a hot topic, but how often do you hear about abortion procedures, side effects, and potential risks? If you recently had sex and your period is late, you may be pregnant. And an unplanned pregnancy means you have a serious decision to make. Before you decide, learn as much as possible about your options, including abortion, to make a confident choice.
Have You Confirmed Your Pregnancy?
Did you know a home pregnancy test may not be enough information to make a decision? Over-the-counter pregnancy tests are reliable, but there is a possibility you could have already miscarried.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. Because it takes your body time to return to its pre-pregnancy hormonal state, it’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test and no longer be pregnant.
Only an ultrasound can verify if your pregnancy is viable (developing with a detectable heartbeat). At HopePlace, we can refer you for a free ultrasound in our area. Come in for a free pregnancy test to see if you qualify.
What Are the Types of Abortion Procedures?
There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. How far along you are determines which procedure you will have. An abortion is a serious medical decision, so getting the facts is essential.
Medical
The abortion pill method is a form of medical abortion. It uses two drugs over a 24 to 48-hour period to end a pregnancy. Side effects include the following:
- Cramping
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
The FDA has approved using one of the drugs, mifepristone, through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. Some of the risks include:
- An incomplete abortion which may need to be followed by a surgical procedure
- An ongoing pregnancy
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
Surgical
Surgical abortions vary based on how far along you are in your pregnancy. First-trimester surgical abortions use vacuum or suction aspiration to pull out the pregnancy. Later pregnancies may require a scraping tool or forceps to pull out larger tissue.
Some of the side effects include:
- Pain
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Fever and chills
- Cramping
- Bleeding
Because surgical procedures are more invasive, they have larger risks. Be aware that it is possible to have one of the following happen:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
How Can HopePlace Help Me?
If you need to confirm your pregnancy or want to know more about your options, including abortion, contact us. Although we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can provide accurate information.
Fill out our online contact form or text us at (870) 460-0067.