We understand how confusing a pregnancy decision can feel when under an immense amount of stress. You are not alone as you seek what’s next for you.
There are important steps to take first to fully understand your pregnancy and options when considering abortion. Your health deserves to be the first priority. At Pregnancy Help Center of Galveston, we offer pregnancy services and options information so you feel informed along the way.
Understand the Types of Abortion
The two main types of abortion procedures are completed at different points of pregnancy: medical abortion and surgical abortion. Each comes with its unique risks.
1. Medical Abortion
Medical abortion (the abortion pill) includes taking two different drugs to terminate an existing pregnancy.
First, mifepristone works to block the hormone progesterone and causes the lining of the uterus to thin. It prevents the embryo from staying attached to the uterine wall and growing. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.
2. Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion includes dilation of the cervix and a mix of tools and suction. Multiple surgical instruments are used to remove the pregnancy.
How far along a woman is in pregnancy will determine whether she will undergo a D&C (dilation and curettage) or a D&E (dilation and evacuation) abortion. A D&E is typically performed later in pregnancy and requires more tools, like forceps.
Know the Risks
There are unique risks to each type of abortion procedure. A medical abortion comes with potential risks, including:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical treatment
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
All surgical abortion procedures have similar risks, including:
- Damage to the uterus or cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes
- Scarring of the inside of the uterus
- Reaction to the medicines or anesthesia, such as problems breathing
- Not removing all of the tissue, requiring another procedure
Know What Options You Have
The FDA only recommends medical abortion for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Otherwise, a surgical abortion may be your only other abortion option. Pregnancy testing and an ultrasound are a must to fully understand your pregnancy details.
We Are Here for You
Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us to begin getting answers about your pregnancy with our lab-grade pregnancy testing and an ultrasound today. We can inform you about all your pregnancy options. We are here for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.