Abortion ends a pregnancy through drugs or surgical procedures, both of which carry potential risks and complications. Before considering abortion, learn what each method involves and gather information about your pregnancy and health.
Hope Pregnancy Center provides free lab-quality pregnancy testing and a limited ultrasound to verify your important pregnancy details. We are also here to give you accurate information about abortion and your other options.
Schedule your confidential appointment at the center today.
There Are Two Types of Abortion
There are two main types of abortion. A medical abortion is FDA-approved through ten weeks of gestation and works by using two drugs. The first drug is called mifepristone. It blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed for the pregnancy to continue.
The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24–48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through cramping and heavy vaginal bleeding.
A surgical abortion is is performed in a clinic, surgical center, or hospital. After dilating the cervix, the abortion provider uses suction or, depending on the method and gestational age, a combination of suction and scraping with a curette to remove the pregnancy and related tissue from the uterus. Other surgical instruments may also be used.
Risks of a Medical Abortion
Bleeding and cramping are expected side effects of a medical abortion; however, there are also potential risks, including:
- An incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical procedure.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection
- Fever
Risks of a Surgical Abortion
Cramping and bleeding are expected after a surgical abortion. There are risks to be aware of, including:
- Perforation of the uterus, where a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall, also known as Asherman’s syndrome.
- Infection
Why an Ultrasound Comes First
A limited ultrasound at our center can show you the gestational age of your pregnancy (how far along you are), where the pregnancy is located, and whether the pregnancy appears to be developing.
Knowing the location of the pregnancy is especially important because it can show whether or not you may be having an ectopic pregnancy. This occurs when the pregnancy develops outside the uterus and requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
Pregnancy tests can also remain positive for a period of time after pregnancy loss because the hormone hCG can remain in the body. An ultrasound can also provide information about whether a pregnancy may have already ended in miscarriage, in which case specific follow-up medical care would be needed.
Having this information can help you better understand your pregnancy before considering your next steps.
Get Informed at Hope Pregnancy Center
At Hope Pregnancy Center, we will never judge you or pressure you into making a pregnancy decision.
We are here to provide no-cost pregnancy services and a safe place to ask questions about your pregnancy and options.
Contact us today to make your appointment.
Hope Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.