Finding out you are pregnant when you weren’t trying to be can raise a lot of questions. One of those questions may be whether abortion is an option for you.
Before moving forward, it’s important to understand how abortion works and what it does to your body. Abortion is a serious medical procedure, and having accurate information can help you make an informed decision.
If you haven’t yet confirmed your pregnancy, we encourage you to schedule a free and confidential appointment at Life Choices Family Resource Center in Montrose.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
A medical abortion, also referred to as the abortion pill, is FDA-approved through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. It involves two drugs:
- Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that sustains pregnancy. Without enough progesterone, the pregnancy will end.
- Misoprostol is taken about 24–48 hours later to cause uterine contractions and vaginal bleeding, which expel the pregnancy and related tissue.
Every woman who undergoes a medical abortion will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding because that’s how the procedure works to expel the pregnancy.
Additional side effects may include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, or headache. Risks include incomplete abortion, infection, heavy bleeding, fever, or digestive system discomfort.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is usually performed later in pregnancy. During this procedure, the cervix (opening of the uterus) is dilated with medication or medical instruments, and suction or surgical tools are used to manually remove the pregnancy from the uterus. This is typically done in a clinic or hospital with local anesthesia or sedation.
Common side effects include abdominal cramping and light bleeding for a few days afterward. Risks can include infection, uterine perforation, cervical injury, or scar tissue inside the uterus, known as Asherman’s syndrome, which in rare cases could affect future fertility.
Take Safety Measures
Both types of abortion end a pregnancy by emptying the uterus through either drugs or surgical tools. You should consider all the side effects, risks, and your own personal desires and goals before you move forward.
It’s important to gather all your pregnancy details with an ultrasound before you make any decisions. This confirms how far along you are, rules out miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, and helps you understand what options are available.
At Life Choices Family Resource Center, we provide free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and a supportive environment where you can ask questions without pressure. Schedule an appointment today to protect your health and explore your options.
FAQs
Is the abortion pill the same as Plan B, the emergency contraception?
No. The abortion pill is designed to end an already established pregnancy. Evidence does not suggest that Plan B prevents implantation or ends a progressing pregnancy.
How long will recovery take after an abortion?
Recovery time varies and depends on the abortion type. Some women feel physically better within days, while others may experience a complication that leads to a longer recovery time.
Why is an ultrasound important before an abortion?
An ultrasound provides critical details about your pregnancy, such as gestational age and location, and can detect complications like an ectopic pregnancy that the abortion pill cannot treat.