3 Things About Abortion That You May Not Know

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, you may be considering abortion. All medical procedures carry certain side effects and risks, and abortion is no different. 

There may be information about abortion that you do not know. Before having this procedure, it is important that you receive as much information as possible prior to making a decision. 

1. There Are Two Types of Abortion

Did you know that there are two types of abortion? The first, chemical abortion, involves taking two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone and prevents the embryo from implanting in the uterus, while misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the embryo and pregnancy tissue through the vagina. 

During a surgical abortion, the provider used small instruments or medication to dilate the cervix. Then, they either use a suctioning technique or a small instrument called a curette to remove the fetus from the uterus. 

2. Side Effects and Risks of Abortion

There are certain side effects and risks that come with having an abortion. It is vital to know these before making the decision to have one. 

Side effects of a chemical abortion include:

1. Fever

2. Chills 

3. Vomiting 

4. Nausea

5. Diarrhea

6. Headache

There are various risks associated with having this type of abortion. Those risks include heavy bleeding, infection, digestive discomfort, and incomplete abortion. 

Side effects of a surgical abortion include:

1. Bleeding 

2. Sweating

3. Feeling faint

4. Nausea

5. Vomiting

6. Cramping

Just like chemical abortion, there are certain risks associated with a surgical abortion. These risks include: uterine perforation, heavy bleeding, damage to the womb/cervix, or even death.

3. Incomplete Abortion

An incomplete abortion occurs when the fetus isn’t completely removed from the uterus. When this occurs, various things can happen, such as shock or infection. 

Signs and symptoms of an incomplete abortion include:

1. Fever

2. Pain in the abdominal or pelvic regions

3. Hypotension

4. Hemorrhaging 

If you believe you are experiencing an incomplete abortion, it is crucial to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Have More Questions?

If you have more questions about your pregnancy options or would like more information, Mosaic Health would be happy to help!

Contact us today to schedule an appointment. We are here for you!