Multiple methods end a pregnancy, each with its risks and side effects. What’s more, the procedure type depends on several factors, including how far along the woman is in her pregnancy.
Equipping yourself with information about all your options will help you make confident decisions considering your health and situation. Though Clara Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions, we’ll help you learn about each option and get your questions answered.
Continue reading to get the facts on abortion procedures.
Understanding Abortion
Abortion is the only option that ends a pregnancy, though the method used depends on the type of procedure.
The two types of procedures are medical and surgical abortion.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy. This method is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation.
The first drug is called mifepristone. It blocks a hormone called progesterone, which helps the pregnancy grow and develop. Without this hormone, the pregnancy will detach from the uterine lining and end.
Misoprostol is taken next. This drug causes the uterus to contract, which expels the pregnancy from the body.
Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding occur as these drugs work to end and expel the pregnancy.
Additional side effects can occur, including:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
In addition to learning about potential side effects, it’s crucial to learn the risks of this procedure. Taking abortion drugs is associated with the following risks:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (the body does not release all the pregnancy tissue, potentially requiring surgical treatment)
If a woman is further than 10 weeks along in her pregnancy or it has been otherwise indicated that she should not take abortion drugs, she might have a surgical abortion instead.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion procedures use surgical tools, drugs, and suctioning to end the pregnancy.
They can cause mild cramping and spotting or light bleeding for several days.
As with medical abortion, risks are involved. Though surgical abortion-related risks are rare, they can be severe:
- Infection
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can lead to painful periods or infertility)
- Damage to the cervix
- Uterine perforation (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
Learning about your pregnancy and options beforehand is vital to educated decisions. Clara Women’s Center can help.
Free & Confidential Services
Are you facing an unexpected pregnancy? We offer free services, including limited obstetrical ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy and options information so you have the details you need.
Schedule a confidential appointment today to get started.
Clara Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
