Choosing to have an abortion is a significant decision with the potential for serious physical and mental health issues. It’s essential to learn as much as possible beforehand. For instance, have you confirmed your pregnancy? A positive pregnancy test result isn’t enough information. Here are three things we recommend you do before seeking an abortion.
1.Confirm Your Pregnancy With a Test and Ultrasound
At-home pregnancy tests are very reliable, but did you know it’s possible to get a positive test result and no longer be pregnant? Before thinking about abortion, you need to confirm you’re pregnant.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the pregnancy hormone HCG can take time to leave your body. HCG is the hormone a pregnancy test detects to determine if you are pregnant.
How can you determine if your pregnancy is viable (growing with a detectable heartbeat) or if you have had a miscarriage? Ultrasound. By having an ultrasound, you confirm your pregnancy and determine the pregnancy’s location and how far along you are.
At Life Choices Family Resource Center, we provide a free and confidential professional-grade pregnancy test and a free and confidential ultrasound. We want you to have the information you need without worrying about cost.
2.Learn About Abortion Procedures, Side Effects, and Potential Risks
Although our center does not perform or refer for abortions, we will provide detailed, scientifically-based information about procedures, side effects, and potential risks. We believe you deserve to be fully informed.
There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. How far along you are in your pregnancy determines which method you have.
The FDA has only approved a medical abortion (the abortion pill) through 10 weeks. The abortion pill method uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy. You should expect bleeding and cramping after every abortion, but a medical abortion has the potential for these additional side effects:
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Fever and Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
You also want to be aware of the potential risks of a medical abortion:
- Incomplete abortion
- The possibility of an ongoing pregnancy
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
The type of surgical abortion you have is also determined by how far along you are in
your pregnancy. It can range from Suction or Vacuum Aspiration to the use of
Instruments such as forceps to remove larger parts.
In addition to the potential for the above side effects, you may risk the following with a
surgical abortion:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
3.Speak With Your Healthcare Provider
Before any major medical procedure, including abortion, you must speak with your healthcare provider. They will want to review your current medications and your medical history. You must be aware if you are allergic to the abortion pill drugs or anesthesia.
Plus, you should discuss other issues, such as your access to emergency care, if necessary.
How We Can Help You
Before choosing abortion, learn about all your pregnancy options. At Life Choices FRC, contact us and you can share your situation with a peer advocate who will listen and give you the information you need to make a confident choice.
We invite you to make an appointment today. Whether it’s confirming your pregnancy, discussing abortion procedures, or sharing your story, we’re here for you. We understand how difficult this time is and promise to provide you with confidential, judgment-free assistance.