If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, it’s understandable to feel like your world has turned upside down. And maybe it feels like getting an abortion is the only way to make everything feel normal again. Your feelings are valid, but it’s so important to take the time to learn all you can about abortion, as it comes with risks to your physical and mental health.
At Pregnancy Help Center, we’re here for you, and we’ve compiled the top things you need to know if you’re considering abortion. Read on to learn more, or contact us today to schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment with one of our caring team members.
Abortion Comes with Physical Risks
There are two types of abortion: medical (also known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical, and each type of abortion will affect you differently.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion involves taking two powerful drugs at home. After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. The pain can range from mild to excruciating. In fact, some women have reported that the pain was unexpectedly severe.
You might also experience a risk which is rare but potentially life-threatening and includes:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus (this can quickly lead to an infection)
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is done in a clinic. The procedure involves dilating the cervix so that medical instruments (like strong suction and scraping instruments) can enter the uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy.
Physical risks associated with surgical abortion include:
- Uterine perforation (which is when one of the medical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus)
- Uterine scarring (which can lead to painful periods or future infertility)
- Cervical damage
- Infection
Abortion Comes with Mental Health Risks
According to a study looking at the link between abortion and mental health complications, it’s clear that “at least some women do have significant mental health issues that are caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience.”
Furthermore, if you feel at all pressured into having an abortion or have preexisting mental health conditions, you are more likely to experience adverse mental health outcomes after an abortion.
Getting an Ultrasound Can Protect Your Health
Before seeking an abortion, you need to know your pregnancy’s gestational age, location, and whether it’s viable (has signs of life, like a heartbeat)—and the only way to know these facts is by getting an ultrasound.
At Pregnancy Help Center, we offer no-cost, limited ultrasounds and a safe space to talk. Get the facts you need to stay safe and make sure all your questions about abortion are answered by scheduling your no-cost, private appointment today.