There are two general types of abortion. One includes taking prescription drugs, and the other is surgical.
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion is performed by using two drugs, taken hours or days apart. It is crucial to obtain these drugs from a reputable physician rather than online.
Mifepristone is taken first, usually in a doctor’s office or clinic. It blocks the hormone called progesterone, which is necessary to keep the fetus growing. This drug will end the pregnancy.
One or two days later, a second drug, misoprostol, is taken at home. This drug will cause cramping in order to expel the pregnancy and related tissue from the uterus.
Side effects include vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache. Risks include infection, incomplete abortion, an ongoing pregnancy, heavy and prolonged bleeding, fever, and digestive system discomfort.
A surgical abortion may be necessary if all the fetal contents are retained in the uterus.
It is important to note that a medical abortion should not be performed if the pregnancy is beyond nine weeks gestation. It is also not advised for women with IUDs currently in place or with the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy.
At Assurance Women’s Clinic, our experienced medical team can provide you with a no-cost pregnancy test and ultrasound. An ultrasound can help you know how far along you are and if your pregnancy is viable (progressing inside the uterus).
Surgical Abortion
One type of surgical abortion is a D&C (dilation and curettage) abortion. In this procedure, the cervix is opened through a form of dilation, and a physician uses surgical tools and suction to remove the pregnancy and related tissue.
Side effects include mild cramping and light spotting or bleeding. The risks include infection, scar tissue on the uterine wall, damage to the cervix, and uterine perforation (when a tool pokes a hole). Some of these risks can require more surgery.
Abortion Alternatives
Are you on the fence about abortion? There are two other options: parenting and adoption.
Parenting comes with joy, challenges, rewards, and sacrifices. It also requires a commitment to caring for your child until they are eighteen. However, you build a lifelong relationship.
If you’re interested in parenting, many organizations and government programs are ready to support you to ensure a healthy and affordable start for you and your child.
Adoption could be beneficial if you are not in a position to parent.
In an adoption, you place your child with a qualified adoptive couple of your choice. You can choose how much or how little contact you have as your child grows up.
While adoption can be emotionally challenging and lead to grief, it’s an affordable option that can provide a bright future for your child.
How Can We Help You?
The team at Assurance Care can give you a no-cost pregnancy test and ultrasound to provide the answers you need concerning your pregnancy and information on your options.
At Assurance Care, we can provide no-cost testing to make sure you do not have an STI.
Contact us today! We want to assist you in making the best choice for your health and future!