There are multiple types of abortion procedures, each with its own set of side effects and risks. If you’re pregnant and considering abortion, you must understand these risks to decide confidently.

Which Type of Abortion Occurs During the First Ten Weeks?

If you’re ten weeks pregnant or fewer, you may be eligible for a medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill or at-home abortion. During a medical abortion, mifepristone and misoprostol are used to end a viable pregnancy.

Many women experience cramping and bleeding during this procedure, which is normal. The severity of this cramping and bleeding depends on how the woman’s body reacts to the medications used.

Are There Any Side Effects and Risks I Should Be Aware Of?

Like most medical procedures, medical abortion does come with some side effects. These include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Cramping 
• Vaginal bleeding

If you find these side effects are particularly bothersome, contact your medical provider to see what could be done to help alleviate and treat them.

There are also risks to medical abortion that every woman should be aware of before having one. These are:

• Fever
• Infection
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• An ongoing pregnancy (if the abortion pill didn’t work)
• Incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion)
• Digestive system discomfort

What is Surgical Abortion?

Surgical abortion is known to be a more complicated procedure as it occurs later on in pregnancy. During a surgical abortion, medication or small instruments are used to dilate the cervix, and a gentle suctioning technique or tool called a curette is used to remove the pregnancy tissue. Like medical abortion, surgical abortion can cause bleeding and cramping during and after the procedure.

Side effects of a surgical abortion include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Cramping
• Bleeding
• Feeling faint or lightheaded 
• Sweating

The risks of surgical abortion are severe and should be attended to right away:

• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Fever
• Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
• Perforation of the uterus
• Infection
• Pain that worsens instead of improving
• Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour

I Want to Learn More About My Pregnancy Options.

If you want to learn more about your pregnancy options in a safe, non-judgmental environment, Azar House is here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.