What Are The Different Types of Abortion?

Seeing that positive pregnancy test staring back at you can be devastating. What about your life? All your plans? If you’re thinking about abortion, take a minute to understand your options and the possible risks. 

The Abortion Pill

Women in the early weeks of pregnancy, ten weeks or less, have the option of using the abortion pill to terminate a pregnancy. The abortion pill works by using the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol. 

Mifepristone blocks a woman’s pregnancy hormones, which stops the pregnancy from growing. About 48 hours after taking mifepristone, the second drug is taken: misoprostol. This drug causes strong uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy within a few hours. Expect heavy bleeding with misoprostol. 

Side Effects

As with any medication, the abortion pill does have side effects. Documented side effects include: 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Potential Risks

• Incomplete abortion
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• An ongoing pregnancy

Surgical Abortion

Women more than ten weeks pregnant or those with underlying conditions precluding them from a medical abortion have the option of a surgical abortion.

Surgical abortion occurs in a clinic and begins by dilating (opening) the cervix to access the uterus. Once dilated, the abortion provider uses a suction device or forceps to remove all the pregnancy tissue. Some doctors scrape the uterus with a curette to ensure no tissue is left behind. 

Side Effects

The documented side effects of a surgical abortion include: 

• Bleeding
• Cramping 
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• Feeling faint

More severe side effects to look for include: 

• Severe bleeding
• Fever or infection
• Pain that gets worse instead of better
• Perforation of the uterus
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection 

Choosing What’s Best For You

Dealing with a pregnancy crisis is not easy. It’s ok to feel overwhelmed or confused while trying to determine the best course of action for your pregnancy. 

At Hope Clinic for Women, we strive to support women physically and emotionally. Our clinic offers the medical care you deserve and educational support to help you reach your life’s ambitions. 

Appointments begin by connecting you to a coach who will walk alongside you every step of the way. Simply call 760-728-4105 to schedule your visit. 

Feeling scared is okay, but don’t let that feeling keep you from living an extraordinary life. You can do this! We believe in your future.