If you’re unexpectedly pregnancy, you may be considering abortion. Whether it’s for emotional or financial reasons, you are not alone in your search for answers.
The best way to make a confident decision is to learn more about the different types of abortion and any side effects you can expect following the procedure. The best decision is an informed decision. Keep reading to learn about the side effects of the abortion pill, including infection or incomplete abortion.
The Types of Abortion
There are two different types of abortion: medication and surgical. Medical abortion is only FDA-approved for use during the first ten weeks of pregnancy and conducted in the privacy of your own home. A surgical abortion requires an in-clinic visit and can be performed all the way up to the second trimester.
Surgical Abortion
The surgical abortion procedure dilates your cervix and combines suction, a curette, and other surgical tools to extract the fetus and any remaining pregnancy tissue. Anesthesia is used during this procedure and may require a follow up visit.
Side Effects of Surgical Abortion
After the procedure, it’s recommended to rest for the day. During the recovery period, you may experience some common side effects of medical abortion:
- bleeding, including blood clots
- cramping
- nausea and vomiting
- sweating
- feeling faint
Other potential after effects include hemorrhaging, infection, a weakened cervix or perforations made to your uterus from the procedure.
Medication Abortion
The first drug you take is mifepristone. This drug is an antiprogestin, which prevents your progesterone levels from increasing, which stops the pregnancy.
24-48 hours later, misoprostol, the second drug, is taken. This second pill will force your uterus to contract to expel the fetus and other pregnancy tissues.
SIde Effects of Medication Abortion
According to the Mayo Clinic, you can expect vaginal bleeding and cramping from the abortion medication. They may also cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Confirm Pregnancy Viability
Pregnancy confirmation is necessary to know which procedure you are eligible for. A pregnancy test can be positive several days after a natural miscarriage, so it’s important to confirm the pregnancy. We offer pregnancy test and ultrasound services at no-cost at the Women’s Help Center. We can help give you the information you need to make a decision.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment so we can walk through this process with you.