If you are considering an abortion after learning you are unexpectedly pregnant, it is important to understand how the procedures work and the possible risks and complications so that you can make an informed decision.
Before considering your options, a good place to start is with free lab-quality pregnancy testing and a limited ultrasound at Black Hills Pregnancy Center. These services can confirm your pregnancy and provide key details about how far along you are and whether additional medical follow-up may be needed.
We are here for you to give you the information you need about abortion in a confidential, non-judgmental environment.
Schedule your confidential appointment today.
Risks of Medical Abortion
A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end your pregnancy.
The drugs work by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is needed to continue your pregnancy, and causes the uterus to contract to expel the pregnancy tissue through abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
The abortion pill is approved only through ten weeks of gestation, according to the FDA.
Some risks of a medical abortion include:
- An incomplete abortion may require a surgical procedure.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
There is also a risk of a potential ectopic pregnancy going unnoticed. This occurs when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus. Without timely medical treatment, it can lead to serious complications.
Risks of Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is used during a later pregnancy and is performed in a medical setting. The procedure works by dilating the cervix and uses medical instruments with scraping or suction to remove the pregnancy from the uterus.
The potential risks of a surgical abortion include:
- Damage to the cervix may need pressure or stitches to repair.
- Perforation of the uterus, where surgical instruments may poke a hole through the uterus.
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall, which is known as Asherman’s Syndrome.
- Infection.
Why an Ultrasound Should Come First
A limited ultrasound at Black Hills Pregnancy Center can provide important details about your pregnancy, including how far along you are, whether a heartbeat is present, and whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus. This information can help determine whether additional medical follow-up is needed.
Understand Your Options At Black Hills Pregnancy Center
Black Hills Pregnancy Center is here to help you get the clarity you need.
We know an unexpected pregnancy can raise many questions and create uncertainty. This is why we provide free and confidential pregnancy services and pregnancy counseling where our client advocates can help you learn more about your options.
You don’t have to make this decision alone; we are here for you.
Schedule an appointment at our center to speak with our team.
Black Hills Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
