If you are considering an abortion, understanding how each type of abortion works and the risks involved is important so you can make an informed decision.
New Life Pregnancy Resource Center is here to give you accurate, up-to-date information about abortion and your other options, parenting, and adoption. We offer support in a confidential and non-judgmental environment.
We also provide free pregnancy services at our center, including pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds to provide you with key details about your pregnancy, which can affect your options.
Schedule your appointment today.
The Physical Effects of a Medical Abortion
A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, involves taking two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed for the pregnancy to continue developing. The second drug, taken 24 to 48 hours later, causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy through vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping.
The FDA only approves the abortion pill to be taken through ten weeks of gestation.
The side effects of the abortion pill include cramping and bleeding, as well as a low-grade fever after taking the second drug and potential nausea, tiredness, and digestive issues.
There are also risks to be aware of, including:
- An incomplete abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
The Physical Effects of a Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is performed in a hospital setting. The procedure uses medical instruments to dilate the cervix and then uses suction or scraping to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.
Side effects of a surgical abortion include cramping and bleeding.
There are also risks to be aware of, including infection, bleeding, and uterine perforation, where medical instruments may cause a tear in your uterine wall. In some cases, scar tissue formation after a surgical abortion may cause Asherman’s syndrome. This condition can cause issues with future fertility.
Why an Ultrasound Comes First
Knowing key details about your pregnancy, such as how far along you are and the location of the pregnancy, is important before making a pregnancy decision.
These details can affect your options and can help identify an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention and cannot be treated with the abortion pill.
New Life Pregnancy Resource Center can provide you with a no-cost ultrasound following a positive pregnancy test, which will determine the location of the pregnancy, its gestational age, and its viability (if a heartbeat is detected).
Learn More About Your Options
We understand how overwhelming an unexpected pregnancy can feel. Taking time to learn about your options, along with the considerations and risks associated with each one, can help you move forward with clarity.
Our team is here to help you. You are stronger than you think.
In addition to our free pregnancy services, we also provide mentoring for new mothers, fathers, and sexual health and relationship issues. If financial concerns are affecting your decision, support is available.
We offer resources ranging from material assistance to community referrals.
Contact us to make an appointment.
New Life Pregnancy Resource Center does not perform or refer for abortions.