Types of Abortion
Medication Abortion
Also known as the abortion pill, medication abortion uses two different drugs to end a pregnancy. This type of abortion is only done for women up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
First, Mifepristone blocks the progesterone hormone which causes the lining of the uterus to thin and prevents the embryo from implanting and growing. Second, Misoprostol is used to make the uterus contract and release the pregnancy through the vagina.
Risks of Medication Abortion:
- Incomplete abortion (it may need to be followed by surgical abortion)
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work)
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Digestive system discomfort
- Fever
- Infection
Surgical Abortion
There are two major types of surgical abortion: aspiration abortion and D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) abortion. With aspiration abortion, an anesthetic is used to numb your cervix, and different surgical instruments are used to clear the contents of the uterus. Aspiration (vacuum) is done for women around 12-13 weeks pregnant.
D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) abortion is done for women more than 12 weeks pregnant. With this procedure, the cervix is dilated and anesthesia is given. Then, surgical instruments clear the contents of the uterus, and a curette is used to scrape the inside. Both abortion procedures are invasive and have risks.
Risks of Surgical Abortion:
- Incomplete abortion
- Damage to the womb
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Injury to the cervix
What Do I Need Before Abortion?
Your first step to making a pregnancy decision is confirming your pregnancy details. To move forward with abortion, you will need to know how far along you are with an ultrasound, after verifying with a lab-quality pregnancy test. Also, find out through pregnancy confirmation if you are facing any pregnancy complications.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us today.