How Does Abortion End My Pregnancy?

Understanding abortion procedures can feel complicated. Even if you already have some general knowledge, receiving outside information or perspectives from family and friends can make the decision-making process confusing.

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise is here for you with no judgment or pressure—just facts. You’re not alone.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment to learn about your options. In the meantime, keep reading to get the facts.

What Are the Different Abortion Procedures?

Understanding how abortion ends a pregnancy and its side effects and risks helps you weigh your options.

We’ll discuss the two main abortion methods below.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy. The FDA has approved this method through 10 weeks gestation. Taking these abortion drugs after this period isn’t recommended.

First, mifepristone is taken. This drug blocks progesterone, a hormone that helps the pregnancy develop. Without progesterone, the uterine lining thins, and the pregnancy detaches and eventually ends.

Then, misoprostol is taken to cause uterine contractions. These contractions expel the pregnancy and tissue from the uterus.

Taking abortion drugs causes abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. These side effects can be severe.

Other side effects include:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Any procedure carries certain risks, and medical abortion is no different. Be aware of these risks when weighing your options:

• An incomplete abortion (when the body doesn’t release all the pregnancy tissue, which may require surgical treatment)
• Heavy, prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion uses drugs, surgical tools, and/or suctioning to end the pregnancy and remove it from the uterus. A woman will have a more complicated procedure the further along she is.

Side effects after a surgical abortion procedure include mild cramping and spotting or light vaginal bleeding.

Risks are rare but possible, and staying informed helps you to take control of your health:

• Perforation of the uterus (when a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
• Damage to the cervix (i.e., tearing)
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can cause painful periods, future miscarriages, or infertility)
• Infection

You Are Our Priority

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise walks alongside you as you face an unplanned pregnancy. This time can be filled with uncertainty and questions. We’ll be a steady presence as you consider your options.

We’ll discuss your pregnancy options in a caring environment. This is your decision—we’ll help make a confident one.

Make a free and confidential appointment today. We are here for you.

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise does not refer for or perform abortions.

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