An unexpected pregnancy can raise many questions and make you explore your options.
Understanding all pregnancy options and potential risks can help you make an informed decision with confidence.
Birthright of West Chester is here to help. We offer free, confidential lab-quality pregnancy testing, support services, and counseling so you can get accurate information and process your situation in a safe setting.
Contact us today to schedule a no-cost appointment.
What Are the Risks of Medical Abortion?
A medical abortion is a pregnancy termination procedure that uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end and expel a pregnancy. It’s FDA-approved through ten weeks of pregnancy.
The procedure works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed for pregnancy to continue, and triggering uterine contractions that lead to cramping and vaginal bleeding as the pregnancy is expelled.
Additional side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and headache.
The risks can be very serious and include:
- Incomplete abortion requiring surgical follow-up
- An ongoing pregnancy if the drugs don’t work
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection or fever
- Digestive system discomfort
It is also important to know that this type of abortion isn’t an option for women with certain health conditions, such as heart disorders, anemia, or chronic adrenal failure. It’s essential to talk with a health care provider about your medical history before proceeding.
Risks of Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is typically performed in the second trimester. It can be called vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage (D&C), or dilation and evacuation (D&E), depending on when it is performed in pregnancy and the tools used.
All of these surgical procedures involve dilating (opening) the cervix and then inserting surgical instruments to use a mixture of suction and scraping to remove the pregnancy and related tissue.
The risks of a surgical abortion include uterine perforation, damage to the cervix, scar tissue on the walls of the uterus, and infection.
Mental Health Risks of Abortion
Physical risks are only part of the picture.
Some women experience significant emotional and mental effects after an abortion, including depression, anxiety, and grief, sometimes weeks, months, or even years later. A subsequent pregnancy event, such as a planned birth, a miscarriage, or infertility, can also trigger these effects.
What Should I Do First?
If you’re unsure what to do next, visit Birthright of West Chester for free and confidential pregnancy testing and learn about your options and available support.
Birthright of West Chester is here for you.
Call us at 610-436-0773 or schedule an appointment online. Whatever you are facing, you deserve accurate information in a safe and judgment-free environment.