What Are the Risks of Abortion?
According to abortion providers, having an abortion is a piece of cake. They say it’s quick, easy, and painless. You’ll notice, they rarely talk about the potential risks or emotional pain it might cause.
If you’re considering abortion, you deserve to know the truth about the procedures, side effects, and risks beforehand. Any time something is removed from your body, it’s a major medical decision. We’ll let the experts give you the answers.
Types of Abortion
There are two types of abortion, medical and surgical. You qualify for a medical abortion if you’ve been pregnant for 10 weeks or less. After 10 weeks, you will have to have an in-clinic surgical abortion.
Medical Abortion
The abortion pill is the main method of medical abortion. It isn’t just one pill and you’re done. It’s a series of two powerful drugs taken over a 24 – 48 hour timeframe.
The Mayo Clinic says, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences.” They encourage anyone who’s considering it to learn about the side effects, possible risks, complications, and alternatives.
The risks of a medical abortion
The Mayo Clinic lists the side effects and potential risks of medical abortion:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever, especially serious if longer than 24 hours
- Digestive system discomfort
- Abdominal cramping
Surgical Abortion
There are various methods for surgical abortion depending on how far along your pregnancy is.
Dilation & curettage (D & C)
This procedure can be performed up until your 13th or 14th week of pregnancy. Somewhat routine, a D & C still has risks. This method begins by dilating (opening) the cervix. Then, a surgical instrument called a curette is used to remove uterine tissue. Curettes can be sharp or use suction (vacuum aspiration).
The Mayo Clinic states the risks associated with a D & C:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Dilation & evacuation (D & E)
A D & E begins by dilating the cervix, too. Once dilated, a hollow tube attached to a pump removes tissue in the uterus. It may also require the use of forceps to grasp larger pieces of tissue and a curette to scrape the lining of the uterus.
MyHealth.Alberta.ca lists the possible complications that can occur with a D & E:
- Severe bleeding, including passing clots bigger than a golf ball
- Headache, muscle aches, and dizziness
- Severe pain in the belly
- Hot flushes or a fever
- Vomiting
- Sudden abdominal swelling or rapid heart rate
- Vaginal discharge
- Pain, swelling, or redness in the genital area
Before You Make An Abortion Appointment
First, verify your pregnancy with free lab-quality pregnancy testing at Robbinsdale Women’s Center. If the test is positive, we’ll provide a limited ultrasound. The typical cost for ultrasounds in Minneapolis can cost hundreds of dollars, but at Robbinsdale, ultrasounds are offered to you at no cost.
Contact Robbinsdale Women’s Center today to learn more about abortion procedures, side effects, and possible risks.
Pregnancy Testing
A pregnancy test determines whether you are pregnant by detecting the presence of hCG, the hormone associated with pregnancy. You will give a urine sample during your appointment, and then one of our nurses will administer the test. Testing only takes a few minutes, and you will have your result during your appointment.
Ultrasounds
Determine what choices you have with an ultrasound. An ultrasound may alert you to any complications. It is a necessary step of the pregnancy confirmation process, as it’s the only way to confirm three aspects of your pregnancy. Get a free ultrasound with us today.
Pregnancy Testing
A pregnancy test determines whether you are pregnant by detecting the presence of hCG, the hormone associated with pregnancy. You will give a urine sample during your appointment, and then one of our nurses will administer the test. Testing only takes a few minutes, and you will have your result during your appointment.
Ultrasounds
Determine what choices you have with an ultrasound. An ultrasound may alert you to any complications. It is a necessary step of the pregnancy confirmation process, as it’s the only way to confirm three aspects of your pregnancy. Get a free ultrasound with us today.
