What Are the Risks of Abortion?

When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, ensuring the utmost protection for your health becomes a top priority. Therefore, when thinking about the option of abortion, it is crucial to thoroughly understand and familiarize yourself with the potential risks associated with the procedure.

Being well-informed empowers you to make the best decision for your health and well-being during this critical time. Learn the facts at Ohana Health. Reach out to us today to get started, or keep reading to learn more about the risks of abortion.

Abortion Procedure Types

There are two types of abortion procedures.

A medical abortion is the process of using drugs to terminate a pregnancy. It is done early in pregnancy, as it’s FDA-approved through ten weeks gestation. Typically, you would take the drugs at home.

A surgical abortion involves dilating the cervix to allow medical instruments to access the uterus. These instruments, which usually include scraping tools and powerful suction devices, are then used to remove the pregnancy. Unlike a medical abortion, it’s performed in a hospital or clinic.

Medical Abortion Risks

After taking the drugs for a medical abortion, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. The risks to be aware of are:

  • The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
  • An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
  • Infection.
  • Fever.
  • Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.

It’s critical to understand these risks since medical abortions are performed at home.

Surgical Abortion Risks

After a surgical abortion, you will likely spend a few hours in a recovery room to monitor for excessive bleeding, complications, and to allow the anesthesia to wear off. The risks of a surgical abortion include:

  • Uterine perforation (when one of the medical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus)
  • Uterine scarring (which can cause future infertility and painful periods)
  • Infection
  • Cervical damage

Protect Your Health

Receive no-cost pregnancy services at Ohana Health to know what pregnancy options you have. Meet with our Registered Nurse for pregnancy testing and a no-cost ultrasound if your test is positive.

We also offer options consultations to discuss your pregnancy options. Our compassionate client advocates are here for you and to help answer any of your questions or concerns. Schedule a no-cost pregnancy appointment today.

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