Abortion might seem like a choice that will make all your current pregnancy-related problems go away. However, this option comes with risks to your physical and mental health, so it’s essential to learn all you can to protect yourself.

There are two main types of abortion: medical (also known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical. While both types of abortion terminate a pregnancy, they each come with unique risks.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion involves taking two powerful drugs at home.

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone.

The second drug, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions. This forces the terminated pregnancy from your uterus and out of your vagina.

After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Every woman’s pain threshold is different, and these side effects can range from mild to severe.

These drugs come with physical risks, which include:

• Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if you’ve been pregnant for fewer than 10 weeks. If your pregnancy is further along, or if you’re ineligible for the abortion drugs but take them anyway, you’re more likely to experience a risk.

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic. It involves the dilation of the cervix so that medical instruments (like strong suction and scraping tools) can enter the uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy.

Surgical abortion is associated with the following risks:

• Uterine perforation (which is when the surgical instruments poke a hole in your uterus)
• Uterine scarring (which can lead to painful periods and future infertility)
• Cervical damage
• Infection

How to Protect Your Health

If you’re considering abortion, getting an ultrasound is the first step. This scan will give you the essential information you need to know about your pregnancy to help you make an informed decision. 26 % of pregnancies naturally end in miscarriage. To be sure your pregnancy is viable, make an appointment for a free ultrasound today.

You will also want to learn all you can about abortion to ensure you’re deciding for yourself without feeling pressured. Studies have found that women who feel pressured into an abortion are more likely to suffer adverse mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression.

At Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise, we offer free, limited obstetrical ultrasound scans performed by a nurse to give you the necessary information to make an informed decision about your pregnancy. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.