With abortion comes many big questions due to the physical risks of the procedure. In some cases, it can lead to heavy/prolonged bleeding, infection, and more. There are serious health risks to consider for both types of abortion.
Here are the facts so you can make a confident and informed decision for your future.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion typically takes place in the first trimester of pregnancy. It usually includes two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. The FDA only approved this abortion procedure through the first ten weeks of a woman’s pregnancy.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone (a hormone that sustains the pregnancy). The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Some of the physical risks of medical abortion include:
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
It’s vital to receive medical attention if you experience heavy bleeding or have a fever for more than 24 hours.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is a much more invasive medical procedure involving drugs, surgical instruments, and suction to end and remove an existing pregnancy.
A surgical abortion procedure also comes with serious physical risks, including:
- Infection
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Perforation of the uterus
First, Pregnancy Confirmation
Knowing where your pregnancy stands is important to determine your pregnancy options. Abortion is a serious health decision that can affect you physically. If you’re considering this option, there are three things you’ll want to do beforehand to protect your health:
- Get tested for sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Review your medical history
- Receive pregnancy confirmation (pregnancy testing & ultrasound)
At our center, we provide free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and STI testing in a safe and non-judgmental environment. We’re here for you as you navigate this challenging time.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today.
The Pregnancy Care Center of Rockford does not refer for or perform abortions.