Facing an unexpected pregnancy can be complicated and stressful. You’re not alone. Though the decision is 100% yours, you are not alone.
When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, you may feel fear, confusion, and anger. You wonder what to do next. Choosing how to proceed in an unexpected pregnancy can be complicated.
Before you schedule an appointment with an abortion clinic, learn the facts. The law gives you the right to be fully informed about this critical decision.
Types Of Abortion
There are two types of abortion, medical and surgical. Each has different side effects and risks. Which method you qualify for is determined by how far along you are in your pregnancy (gestational age).
Medical Abortion
The abortion pill is a medical abortion method that uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The first drug blocks the uterus from absorbing a hormone called progesterone. Without progesterone, the pregnancy can’t survive.
The second drug causes the uterus to contract and expel the fetus. If you’ve been pregnant for 70 days or less (the gestational age), you qualify for a medical abortion. Anything later than 70 days may require a surgical abortion.
Side Effects And Risks Of Medical Abortion
The greatest risk of the abortion pill is incomplete abortion. If this happens, it may need to be followed by surgical abortion. Other side effects include heavy and prolonged bleeding, severe cramping, and fever.
Surgical Abortion
There are several surgical abortion methods based on the gestational age of your pregnancy. Some require dilating (opening) your cervix for the pregnancy to pass through. A vacuum aspiration abortion uses a suctioning tool to remove an early pregnancy.
Other surgical abortions use a vacuum and scraping tool to suction and scrape the pregnancy from the uterus. A later pregnancy might require forceps to remove more significant parts of the pregnancy.
Side Effects And Risks Of Surgical Abortion
Potential risks of surgical abortion include damage to the cervix, perforation of the uterus, and scarring on the inside of the uterus.
Emotional Side Effects
Be aware that many women experience difficult emotional side effects after their abortion as well. You may feel immediate relief, but sometimes feelings of grief, loss, and sadness take over later.
We understand that every woman’s road to abortion is highly personal and often seen as a quick solution to a potentially stressful situation.