If you are considering abortion after finding out you are unexpectedly pregnant, it can help to understand how the process works and what risks are involved so you can make an informed decision.
Ohana Health is here to provide accurate information about abortion and your other options, including parenting and adoption, so you can understand the considerations involved in each path. We also offer free pregnancy services to help you better understand your pregnancy and clarify your next steps.
Make your appointment with our team today.
The Medical Abortion Process
A medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, involves two medications taken in sequence. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to support the pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken up to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.
Common side effects include cramping and bleeding. Medical abortion is FDA-approved for use up to ten weeks of gestation.
There are also risks to be aware of, such as heavy bleeding, infection, and an incomplete abortion.
How a Surgical Abortion Works
A surgical abortion is performed in a clinical setting and involves removing the pregnancy from the uterus using medical instruments, often through suction or a tool called a curette.
One common method is called dilation and curettage (D&C), which involves dilating the cervix to remove the pregnancy.
The side effects of a surgical abortion include cramping and bleeding, and there are also risks to be aware of, such as uterine perforation (a tear in your uterus), infection, and bleeding. In rare cases, it can also cause Asherman’s syndrome, where scar tissue forms in the uterus.
Why an Ultrasound Is Important
Before making a pregnancy decision, an ultrasound can provide important medical information, including the location of the pregnancy, how far along you are, and whether a heartbeat is detected.
This information can help identify whether you may have already miscarried or whether the pregnancy is located outside the uterus, known as an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical attention.
Ohana Health offers no-cost limited ultrasounds to help confirm your pregnancy and options.
Get Accurate Information at Ohana Health
If you’re unsure about your next steps, a pregnancy test and ultrasound can provide more clarity about your pregnancy and how it is developing.
Once you have these details, you can better understand your options and what support may be available. Ohana Health offers no-cost pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and confidential appointments where you can talk through your situation.
We are here to help you, each step of the way.
Contact us to schedule your appointment.
