We’re glad you are asking about abortion procedures, side effects, and potential risks. Abortion is a serious medical decision, and you should be as confident about what to expect as possible. There are risks, such as an incomplete abortion and infection, that you need to be aware of. Talk with our client advocates to get the factual information you need.
Have You Confirmed Your Pregnancy?
Believe it or not, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that 26% of all pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. It is possible to get a positive pregnancy test result in the days or even weeks following a miscarriage.
If you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, you should obtain confirmation with another test. The Pregnancy Help Center offers no-cost clinical pregnancy testing. They provide same-day appointments and accept walk-ins whenever available.
Once you’ve received a positive test from us, we can provide a no-cost ultrasound. Only an ultrasound can indicate whether you’ve miscarried or your pregnancy is growing. Ultrasound offers the following information:
- Confirms you are pregnant by finding a detectable heartbeat (heard around 5 – 6 weeks)
- Estimates how far along you are in your pregnancy (the gestational age)
- Determines the location of your pregnancy (an ectopic pregnancy means it is not in your uterus and could be life-threatening)
Because Missouri bans abortion, if you choose to terminate your pregnancy, you must travel out of state. You don’t want to waste time or money if you have already miscarried, so take advantage of this valuable step.
Does the Abortion Pill Method Have Risks?
The abortion pill method requires taking drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone from reaching the uterus. All pregnancies need progesterone to survive. Without it, the pregnancy can no longer stay implanted.
Misoprostol, the second drug, causes contractions to expel the pregnancy from the body through the vagina. There are side effects and risks with this method.
The Mayo Clinic lists the following as potential side effects and risks:
Side Effects
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Potential Risks
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
The FDA has approved using the abortion pill method only through 10 weeks of pregnancy (70 days or less since the first day of a patient’s last menstrual period). They encourage women not to buy these drugs online due to a lack of oversight on the quality and quantity.
You should also be aware of the emotional and psychological risks of abortion. Studies have shown a significant association with alcohol or illegal drug dependence, mood disorders (including depression), and some anxiety disorders for some women who’ve had abortions.
The Mayo Clinic says, “Having a medical abortion [the abortion pill] is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences.”
Did You Know You Have Options?
There is more than one option for an unplanned pregnancy. Schedule an appointment with one of our caring team members to discuss your situation and options. We’re here to help you. It’s your choice. We just want to provide the information you need to make a confident one.