Abortion ends a viable, progressing pregnancy by removing the embryo or fetus and emptying the uterus. There are two types of abortion procedures: medical abortion and surgical abortion, which can both affect your physical health.
If you are considering abortion, you deserve clear information about what happens during each method, the possible complications, and the symptoms that may require medical attention. A no-cost, self-administered pregnancy test at Pregnancy Care Center can provide an initial result while giving you a place to ask questions and carefully consider what comes next.
Protecting Your Health
Understanding your pregnancy and personal health involves more than an initial result. Important information may include:
- Your estimated gestational age, or how far along you are
- Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
- Whether cardiac activity can be detected
- Possible STI symptoms or exposure
- Current health conditions, allergies, and drugs
An advocate at Pregnancy Care Center can explain available ultrasound and STI testing referrals that may help address these questions.
What Does the Abortion Pill Involve?
The abortion pill, also called medical abortion, uses two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The FDA approves this regimen to end an intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks, or 70 days from the first day of the last menstrual period.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone that helps sustain a pregnancy; misoprostol, typically taken 24 to 48 hours later, causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo or fetus and related pregnancy tissue.
This process involves abdominal cramping and heavy vaginal bleeding. Other effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, chills, dizziness, and tiredness.
Possible complications include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, an incomplete abortion, an ongoing pregnancy, or an allergic reaction. FDA-approved instructions include follow-up with a healthcare provider approximately 7 to 14 days after taking mifepristone.
Why Does Pregnancy Location Matter?
An ectopic pregnancy develops when an embryo implants outside the uterus. Approximately 97% of ectopic pregnancies occur within a fallopian tube. Mifepristone and misoprostol do not end or treat an ectopic pregnancy.
Severe or one-sided pelvic pain, shoulder pain, heavy bleeding, dizziness, weakness, or fainting require immediate medical attention. Call 911 or visit an emergency room if these symptoms occur.
What Happens During a Surgical Abortion?
A surgical abortion is performed in a clinical setting. The abortion provider dilates the cervix, then uses suction, specialized surgical instruments, or a combination of both to remove the embryo or fetus and related pregnancy tissue from the uterus. The specific method used generally depends on how far the pregnancy has progressed.
Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Injury or tearing of the cervix
- Perforation of the uterus
- Scar tissue forming inside the uterus, sometimes called Asherman’s syndrome
Scarring inside the uterus may affect menstrual cycles or future fertility. Some complications require drugs, emergency care, or an additional procedure.
Give Yourself Room to Ask Questions
Pressure may come from a partner, family member, finances, housing, school, work, or fear about the future. Pregnancy Care Center offers a place to talk honestly about those circumstances and receive information about adoption, parenting, and practical resources.
Take time to understand your pregnancy, how each abortion method works, and the possible risks to your health.
Pregnancy Care Center does not perform or refer for abortions.