Your world may feel like it has stopped when you learn you’re pregnant, especially if it is unplanned. You may wonder what pregnancy options are available, including abortion. It is vital to understand the different side effects and risks associated with abortion so you can make an informed decision. 

Two procedures are offered: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Both come with their own considerations, and knowing what each procedure entails is important before you decide. We’ll outline these below. 

What Should I Know About Medical Abortion?

Medical abortion occurs during the first 70 days of pregnancy and uses medication to end a pregnancy. The first medication, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, which is the hormone that sustains a pregnancy. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy through the vagina. 

Common side effects of medical abortion include abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, but there are other risks you should be aware of:

• 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

If you experience any of these, don’t delay seeking immediate medical treatment. These risks can quickly become dangerous and may indicate a bigger complication. 

Surgical Abortion: What Are the Facts?

Surgical abortion is a more complex procedure and is performed later in pregnancy. It uses a combination of medication, surgical instruments, and a gentle suctioning technique to end the pregnancy. 

The most common form of surgical abortion is dilation and curettage (D & C), which involves dilating the cervix. The side effects are similar to those associated with a medical abortion procedure, but the risks can be severe and include:

• Damage to the cervix
• Perforation of the uterus
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

When left untreated, these conditions can be deadly, so it’s crucial to make regular follow-up visits to your medical provider. 

Free Options Counseling

If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, know that Acadiana Pregnancy Center & Clinic. We offer free options counseling that fully explains abortion, adoption, and parenting, and we are committed to answering any questions you may have. 
Our 38 years of experience ensure you’ll receive accurate and trustworthy information. Contact us today to make an appointment.