If you are unsure what to do about your unplanned pregnancy, there are a couple things you should know before you consider scheduling an abortion.
As with any medical procedure, abortion comes with risks and potential complications. Here is what you need to know about each one.
What Are the Physical Health Risks Associated with Abortion?
There are two types of abortion, and each one has its own set of risks.
Medical Abortion Risks
A medical abortion, otherwise known as the abortion pill, works by blocking the pregnancy hormone progesterone, which supplies nutrients to the womb.
When this supply is cut off, it ends the life of the fetus and terminates the pregnancy. After this, your body will essentially go into labor to empty the contents of your uterus.
Abortion Pill Risks include:
- An incomplete abortion, where parts of the pregnancy are left inside your womb
- Heavy bleeding
- Extreme labor-like cramping
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Failed abortion
- Infection
- Digestive issues
- Allergic reaction to the medication
Surgical Abortion Risks
A surgical abortion is usually performed in the second trimester or later after the abortion pill is no longer an option.
This procedure is done in a clinic and usually involves mechanical dilatation of the cervix. A suction device is then used to extract all the parts of the pregnancy.
Risks include:
- Infection from bacteria that gets into the uterus during the procedure
- Incomplete abortion
- Perforation of the uterus and other internal organs
- Tearing of the uterine wall
- Future infertility
- Very heavy bleeding and hemorrhaging
- Death
What Are the Mental Health Risks Associated with Abortion?
Though not as commonly talked about, your mental and emotional health also may be effected after an abortion.
A 2011 study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry reported that there were dramatic changes in mental health in women who had an abortion.
The study examined medical information from 877,000 women, of which 164,000 had an abortion; the women who had an abortion were 81 percent more likely to experience mental health struggles. They were:
- 34% more likely to develop an anxiety disorder
- 37% more likely to experience depression
- 110% more likely to abuse alcohol
- 155% more likely to commit suicide
- 220% more likely to abuse marijuana
Other women have reported feeling regret, wondering “what if” and struggling to cope with the loss of the pregnancy–sometimes for the rest of their lives.
Who Can I Talk to About My Unplanned Pregnancy?
Being pregnant unexpectedly can be scary.
The risks that come with different options may put a knot in the pit of your stomach, but you should never let fear be your guide. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and need someone to talk to, we are here for you.
We can answer your questions about abortion and any risks associated with the different procedures.
At our clinic, we offer no-cost pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to help you have all the information you need about your pregnancy. The more you know, the less you have to fear the unknowns.
Call our clinic today to schedule your confidential consultation. Contact us today.
