There is no quick fix or easy solution if you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, but there are options and resources for women who find themselves in this situation.
One of these options is abortion, which is available through surgical removal of the fetus and placenta or through medication, which will cause fetal demise and forces the uterus to contract and expel any pregnancy remnants.
If you are curious about the process or potential risks involved with a pregnancy termination, read the rest of the article for a high-level overview.
What Are the Different Types of Abortion?
Surgical
A surgical abortion requires an in-person visit to a clinic where the cervix is dilated and then gentle suction or medical tools are used to vaginally remove the pregnancy remnants.
Medical
A medical abortion is a combination of two different drugs, mifepristone which ends the pregnancy, and misoprostol, which forces the womb to contract and expel the fetus and shed the uterine lining. Some states require an in-person visit to a provider to receive the medication.
What Sort of Symptoms Should I Expect if I Get an Abortion?
Medical
If you are getting a medical abortion, you should expect a certain level of discomfort to accompany cramps and vaginal bleeding. According to the Mayo Clinic, they may also cause these side-effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Surgical
With a surgical abortion, you can expect irregular bleeding and cramping for an extended period of time after the procedure (up to 6 weeks for some women). If you bleed through more than 2 large pads in a row, 2 hours in a row, seek emergency medical care.
How Do I Know if I’m Eligible for an Abortion?
If you’re still unsure whether abortion is the best pregnancy option for you, the best first step is to schedule an ultrasound, which we offer at Options Clinic. This will confirm the age and viability of your pregnancy, which is important since medication abortions are only FDA approved up to 10 weeks.
This also gives you an opportunity to ask our staff questions you may have and learn about educational resources so you can make the most informed decision. We want to support you on this journey, so contact us today!