Facing an unplanned pregnancy can be frightening. You may feel like you have a million questions. It’s crucial to remember that everyone’s journey is different. Getting the facts beforehand will help you to make a well-informed choice.
What Is an Abortion?
An abortion is the termination of a viable pregnancy. There are two types of abortions:
- Medication
- Surgical
During a medication abortion, two medicines are used. Mifepristone blocks progesterone and prevents the embryo from implanting in the uterus, while misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo from a woman’s body. Both medications are typically taken at home.
There are some side effects associated with this abortion procedure. You may have:
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Chills
- Headache
- Diarrhea
A surgical abortion is performed at a doctor’s office or medical clinic. During a surgical abortion, a suctioning technique called vacuum aspiration is used. Surgical abortion is an option that can be used when a woman is further along in her pregnancy.
Like medication abortion, surgical abortion carries some risks. These include:
- Cramping
- Bleeding
- Spotting
- Risk of infection or complication (i.e. cervical tears, abdominal pain)
What Are My Adoption Options?
Adoption is another option that you may be considering when unexpectedly pregnant. It’s important to get all the facts prior to making a decision. For some women, adoption can be a bittersweet process. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions during this time.
There are two different forms of adoption. In a closed adoption, you choose not to have contact with the child. All records are sealed, which means you will remain anonymous. In an open adoption, you choose to have contact with the child, and what this contact looks like will depend on your preferences. You are in control!
Who Can I Talk to About This?
Need help deciding which option is for you? At Reach Out Pregnancy, we offer a variety of no-cost services to you, including pregnancy testing, options information, ultrasound scanning, and even parenting and prenatal classes.
If you have questions about abortion or adoption, our caring team would be happy to discuss these with you. You are not alone!
