Abortion is a serious decision that involves knowing where your pregnancy stands and considering the side effects and risks. If you’re considering this option for your pregnancy, you owe it to yourself to protect your health by gathering more information. 

We’ll walk you through what to know if you are considering abortion. Continue reading to learn more.

Abortion Has Side Effects and Risks. 

All abortion procedures have different side effects and risks. 

For example, medical abortion, which uses drugs to end a pregnancy, results in abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. However, other side effects can occur, including headache, vomiting, and chills.

Risks of medical abortion include fever, heavy and prolonged bleeding, and infection. 

Surgical abortion uses drugs, suctioning, and surgical tools to end the pregnancy. Mild cramping and light vaginal bleeding or spotting can happen after the procedure.

However, this method is also associated with certain risks, including damage to the cervix and uterine perforation (which is when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus).

Knowing these risks and side effects can help you make a thoughtful decision and consider your health.

Not Everyone is Eligible for an Abortion.

Abortion has strict eligibility requirements. If you aren’t eligible for an abortion method and undergo it anyway, this can have health implications.

For example, medical abortion is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation. Other factors can make you ineligible for the procedure, including:

• Having an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
• Having a suspected ectopic pregnancy.
• Having certain medical conditions (like anemia, an uncontrolled seizure disorder, or severe liver, kidney, or lung disease).
• Taking a blood thinner or certain medicines.
• Being unable to access emergency care.
• Having an allergy to the drugs used.

Before deciding, you should always speak to a healthcare provider and discuss your unique medical history.

You Should Have an Ultrasound Before Making a Decision. 

An essential step to making a pregnancy decision is having an ultrasound. This scan confirms your pregnancy by telling you whether it is progressing, its location, and how far along you are.

The ultrasound can also protect your health by identifying certain conditions like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. It can help determine which pregnancy options are available. You deserve to have the information needed to decide.

New Hope Center provides free limited ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy. With the facts in hand, you can make a confident pregnancy decision. 

Want to Learn About Your Options?

An unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you aren’t alone. We’ll help you learn about your options and protect your health.

Schedule a confidential appointment today.

New Hope Center does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.