When facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be considering abortion. You might be wondering how abortion will affect you physically.
Depending on the procedure, you can expect to experience a range of side effects. Abortion comes with certain risks that you will want to be aware of. Having all of the information is key to making an informed decision. Your health matters!
Types of Abortion
There are two main types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Medical abortion involves taking two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, which prevents the pregnancy from staying implanted. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy tissue through the vagina.
Surgical abortion can be performed in a variety of ways. One of the most common procedures is a D & C, otherwise known as a dilation and curettage. During this procedure, the provider uses medication or small instruments to dilate your cervix. A gentle suctioning technique or a small instrument called a curette is used to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
Side Effects of Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, potential side effects of a medical abortion include:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Chills
The risks of this procedure include the possibility of an incomplete abortion (which would require further medical treatment), infection, digestive discomfort, and heavy bleeding.
Some of the side effects of a surgical abortion include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Bleeding
- Cramping
- Feeling faint
Risks of surgical abortion include excessive bleeding, uterine perforation, and damage to the cervix.
Have More Questions?
If you have more questions about how abortion will affect you physically or would like to discuss your pregnancy options, we are here for you. At Sage Women’s Center, we provide the resources and support necessary to consider your options and know all of the facts.
Contact us today to schedule a private, no-cost appointment. You are not alone!