If you just found out you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you’re likely looking into options. If abortion is on your research list, we’ll provide some basic information to help you understand the difference between the two main types of abortion: medical abortion (the abortion pill) and surgical abortion.
Before making any pregnancy decisions, it’s important to confirm your pregnancy and know where you are in your pregnancy. While we are not a medical clinic, we can refer you for an educational ultrasound scan.
Schedule an appointment to speak with a caring team member in a confidential setting and receive accurate information.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
A medical abortion uses prescription drugs to end an early pregnancy (FDA-approved for use up to ten weeks of pregnancy).
The process involves taking the drug mifepristone to block the hormone progesterone and terminate the developing baby. Then, 24-48 hours later, women take the drug misoprostol to cause the uterus to contract and expel the developing baby and related tissue.
Potential Complications & Side Effects
The abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding can resemble a menstrual period, but with more intensity, pain, and blood. For instance, blood clots up to the size of a lemon are considered normal during the abortion pill. The amount of bleeding and pain depends on each woman and how far along she is in her pregnancy.
One complication is heavy and prolonged bleeding. It’s critical to know the signs of bleeding too much so you can go to the emergency room or follow up with a provider, as too much blood loss can be life-threatening. Other potential complications include incomplete abortion, infection, fever, and digestive system discomfort.
Some women report side effects beyond abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, such as upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and chills.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital. The cervix is dilated using drugs or medical instruments, and the abortion provider will manually remove the developing baby and placenta using a mixture of scraping and suction to empty the uterus.
The surgical instrument clinicians primarily use is called a curette. This is a long, spoon-like suction-and-scraping device. For later pregnancies, sometimes more tools are needed, such as forceps, to remove larger pieces of tissue.
Potential Complications & Side Effects
Surgical abortion can lead to scar tissue on the wall of the uterus, uterine perforation (poking a hole in the uterus), damage to the cervix, and infection.
The side effects include mild cramping and light vaginal bleeding or spotting that may continue for a few days. Due to the nature of the procedure, women typically need either a local anesthetic or sedation. The pain management or sedation option chosen will add additional risks. You may experience strong emotions after the abortion including sadness and anger.
Making an Informed Decision
If you’re considering what to do next, factors such as how far along you are, your health history, and the location and status of your pregnancy determine which choices are available to you.
However, there are many more elements to consider, such as your, religion, input from the baby’s father, and which path fits your lifestyle. You can learn about every pregnancy option at our center.
We’re here to help you. Visit Metro Women’s Center to receive compassionate care and a referral for an educational ultrasound. Contact us online or call us at (763) 533-8642 to schedule your no-cost appointment.