You may have various reasons for wanting an abortion. Perhaps you’re in the middle of school or just don’t feel prepared to raise a child right now.
Whatever your circumstance may be, it is essential to understand how an abortion works and the risks involved before scheduling a termination procedure.
Below is a quick breakdown of what an abortion is and the risks you should know to make a confident, informed decision.
How Does Abortion Work?
Abortions are broken down into two categories: medical and surgical abortions.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion involves a combination of drugs taken in succession to terminate a pregnancy.
To qualify for a medical abortion, women must be no more than ten weeks pregnant. An ultrasound is recommended to date your pregnancy if you’re unsure exactly when you conceived.
The process begins with a dose of mifepristone, which blocks progesterone. About 24-48 hours later, the drug misoprostol is given to bring on contractions and expel the pregnancy.
Surgical Abortion
Women who are more than ten weeks along in their pregnancy are typically eligible for a surgical abortion.
A surgical abortion takes place in a hospital or clinic and begins with either local or general anesthesia for pain relief. A physician will dilate the cervix and insert a suction tool or forceps into the uterus.
When the pregnancy has been removed, a small tool called a curette is used to scrape the inside of the womb and ensure no additional tissue is left behind.
Understanding The Risks
As with most medical procedures, undergoing an abortion exposes women to certain side effects and risks.
Risks for a medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Upset stomach
Risks associated with a surgical abortion are as follows:
- Severe bleeding
- Infection
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
Making An Informed Decision
Only you can decide what’s best for your unplanned pregnancy. If you’re unsure about your options or would like more information about abortion, reach out to Life Choices.
At Life Choices, we value your unique situation and offer free, confidential support to women experiencing an unexpected pregnancy.
Appointments are easy. Simply text 970-514-5650 to speak with one of our advocates.
Life Choices does not perform or refer for abortions