An unexpected pregnancy can create pressure to decide quickly, and that pressure is real. Before considering abortion, there are a few steps that can help you understand your situation and protect your health. Start with lab-quality pregnancy testing, followed by an ultrasound if your test is positive. Next, be sure you understand how medical and surgical abortion work, including their side effects and potential complications.
Pregnancy Test & Resource Center offers free, confidential, lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. Contact our team to schedule an appointment before considering what comes next. And read on to learn more about the different types of abortion.
What Is a Medical Abortion?
A medical abortion, commonly called the abortion pill, uses two drugs in succession. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the pregnancy to end. Misoprostol, taken a day or two later, then causes uterine contractions and cramping, expelling the pregnancy and related tissue through vaginal bleeding.
The abortion pill is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestation. Cramping and bleeding are expected, while other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, or chills.
Potential complications include an incomplete abortion, heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, or an allergic reaction. The abortion pill also does not end an ectopic pregnancy, which develops outside the uterus and can cause life-threatening internal bleeding if left undetected. An ectopic pregnancy requires emergency medical care.
What Is a Surgical Abortion?
A surgical abortion is an invasive procedure performed in a clinic, surgical center, or hospital. The cervix is dilated before suction, medical instruments, or both are inserted through the cervix to remove the pregnancy from the uterus through suction and scraping. Sedation or anesthesia may be used.
Possible complications include retained pregnancy tissue, excessive bleeding, infection, injury to the cervix, uterine perforation, or a reaction to sedation or anesthesia. Scar tissue can form inside the uterus after a procedure that removes pregnancy tissue. This condition, known as Asherman’s syndrome, may cause pelvic pain, changes in menstrual flow, recurrent miscarriage, or difficulty becoming pregnant.
Why Learn More About Your Pregnancy First?
Following a positive test at Pregnancy Test & Resource Center, you can receive a free, confidential ultrasound to estimate gestational age, look for a pregnancy within the uterus, and detect cardiac activity. These are details worth knowing before you decide on anything. If the scan raises a question, we will let you know and can help you understand what further evaluation might involve.
You are also welcome to sit down with one of our advocates. They can answer your questions, walk through accurate information, and listen without pressure.
Contact Pregnancy Test & Resource Center to schedule your free appointment.
*Pregnancy Test & Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.