When dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, it's essential to gather all the necessary information to make an informed decision, including exactly what to expect, the risks and side effects. HELP Pregnancy Aid aims to equip you with accurate abortion information that is clear and up-to-date with current medical procedures..
Diving into Different Types of Abortion and their Risks
Two main types of abortion procedures—medical (also known as the abortion pill) and surgical—are available. Each has its unique set of risks and potential side effects, so let's analyze them:
The Abortion Pill
A medical abortion – or the abortion pill – involves medication to terminate a pregnancy. Typically used in the early stages, up to 11 weeks of gestation, the procedure employs two drugs: one to halt the pregnancy's continued development and another to expel it from the uterus. It is important to note that before deciding on an abortion procedure you have an ultrasound to verify your pregnancy to determine:
How far along you are
If your pregnancy is in the uterus
If there is a heartbeat
It is very dangerous to take a pill to try to have an abortion if your pregnancy is too far along, or if your pregnancy is not in the uterus. And if your baby already has passed away (a miscarriage that is not completed yet), there is no need to expose yourself to the possible risks of these medications.
Please text us to schedule a free, non judgemental ultrasound appointment: TEXT 616 459-9139
Possible risks associated with medical abortion include:
Incomplete Abortion: This can arise when the pregnancy tissue does not entirely evacuate, possibly necessitating a surgical procedure to conclude the process.
Profuse and Prolonged Bleeding: Many women experience significant bleeding, which may need emergency medical attention.
Blood Clots: Expect to see large blood clots, but the danger lies in some fetal tissue remaining inside the uterus, potentially blocking the cervix and filling the uterus with blood. Sometimes you will also see the baby come out in its gestational sac, and this can be very disturbing.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are frequent side effects.
Fever or Chills: This may indicate a possible infection or reaction to the medications.
Infections, usually caused when the body does not expel all of the fetal tissue, are also a risk with any type of abortion. Look out for symptoms like fever and chills, heavy bleeding, and unpleasant odor discharge. Immediate medical attention is essential if you experience any of these symptoms. If you are experiencing any of the above reactions, contact your doctor immediately.
After taking the first pill, is it safe to try to stop the abortion process before taking the second pill? YES
Next steps: Do not take the second pill
Text for HELP ASAP: TEXT (616) 459-9139
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortions, involving physical procedures to remove pregnancy tissue, commonly used methods like suction aspiration (up to 16 weeks) and dilation and curettage (after 16 weeks).
Risks associated with surgical abortion include: If you are experiencing any of the following please contact your doctor immediately.
Infection: A risk present in any surgery, possibly occurring from bacteria introduced during the procedure or from incomplete evacuation of the uterus
Incomplete Abortion: Surgical abortion carries the risk of resulting in an incomplete abortion. This risk is more likely the further along you are in pregnancy.
Heavy Bleeding: Although less common than with the medical abortion, heavy bleeding can occur and potentially requires further medical intervention.
Uterine Perforation: This is a rare but severe risk where surgical instruments puncture the uterine wall.
Cervical Damage: The procedure may injure the cervix, potentially affecting future pregnancies.
Uterine Lining Scarring (also known as Asherman’s syndrome), which could impact fertility.
We stronglyrecommend STI testing and an ultrasound first, regardless of the abortion method used, to confirm the pregnancy's location. Either an ectopic pregnancy, a more advanced than expected pregnancy, or a STD will greatly increase your chances of adverse abortion risks and side effects.
Expected Side Effects
No matter the type of abortion, some common side effects might include intense back and/or abdominal pain, intense pelvic cramping, heavy bleeding, emotional distress or anxiety, nausea and/or vomiting. It's essential to monitor these symptoms and reach out to a healthcare professional if they worsen or don't improve over time. Remember, getting medical care for abortion-related injuries or illnesses is entirely legal everywhere, despite the abortion laws of that state.You will never be in trouble for seeking medical care.
For Post-Abortion support contact HELP Pregnancy for non-judgemental care and healing, or even if you just want to talk to someone about it– we are here for you. Join our Hope and Set Free small group today. Or for a one-on-one consultation please text or call us (616) 459-9139. Ask for Amy or Paula.
How HELP Pregnancy Aid Can Help
Deciding what to do with a pregnancy is a deeply personal and sometimes challenging decision. We want to help you be fully aware of risks and side effects associated with abortion so your decision is informed and takes into account your physical and emotional health. Remember, you're never alone on this journey. Reach out to HELP Pregnancy Aid if you need a helping hand, more information, or someone to talk to.