There are many subjects we wish we didn’t have to discuss. Abortion is one of them. But if you are considering abortion for your unplanned pregnancy, you should be aware of the various procedures, side effects, and potential risks beforehand.
Studies show over 25% of pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Because Kentucky bans abortions, you will need to travel. Before you do, the caring staff at BsideU for Life wants you to understand the physical and emotional consequences of abortion and confirm your pregnancy. You are important to us, and we want you to be fully informed.
What Do I Need to Know About Abortion Procedures?
There are two types of abortion, medical and surgical. A medical or medication abortion is also known as the abortion pill method.
The Abortion Pill Method
The abortion pill uses two drugs over a 24 to 48-hour period to terminate a pregnancy. The FDA highly regulates the first drug, mifepristone. It is approved for use only through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Mifepristone blocks a much-needed hormone from reaching the pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, causes contractions to expel the pregnancy from the body.
Surgical Abortion
There are various surgical procedures based on how far along you are in your pregnancy. A first-trimester procedure uses vacuum or suction aspiration that removes the pregnancy through a suction tube.
Late-term abortions use a combination of suction and a curette, a sharp spoon-shaped instrument used for scraping the lining of the uterus. If necessary, the abortion provider uses forceps to remove larger portions of the pregnancy.
What are the Potential Side Effects and Risks of Abortion?
The Abortion Pill
The Mayo Clinic lists the following as the potential side effects and risks:
Side Effects
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Potential Risks
- Incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
The Mayo Clinic states, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you’re considering this procedure, understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications, and alternatives.”
Surgical Abortion
In addition, the Mayo Clinic lists the potential side effects and risks of surgical abortion:
Side Effects
- Vaginal bleeding
- Abdominal cramping
Potential Risks
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
How Can BsideU for Life Help Me?
We offer no-cost confidential pregnancy testing performed by our trained team of professionals. If your test result is positive, we verify the pregnancy with a no-cost limited ultrasound.
Ultrasound confirms if your pregnancy is viable (growing) or if you’ve miscarried. Visit us for no-cost medical services and information on all of your pregnancy options.
Schedule your appointment today. We’re always beside you.