Abortion is the process of terminating your pregnancy and removing it from your uterus. If you’re thinking about abortion, it’s critical to learn all you can to ensure you make an informed decision for yourself.

There are two types of abortion: medical (also known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical. Medical abortion is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under, while surgical abortion is typically performed later in pregnancy. 

Read on to learn more about how each type of abortion works, the potential risks, and how to protect your health.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion involves taking two powerful drugs. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, which is an essential hormone your body needs to maintain a pregnancy. Without progesterone, your uterine lining will shed, causing your pregnancy to detach and end. The second drug, misoprostol, causes your uterus to contract and expel your pregnancy from your uterus and out through your vagina.

The abortion drugs come with risks. One of the main risks is incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in your uterus. This can lead to heavy and prolonged bleeding, pain, and a potentially life-threatening infection. 

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion is done in a clinic. It’s an invasive surgery that involves dilating the cervix (either manually or through drugs) so that medical instruments can enter your uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy.

Earlier in pregnancy, strong suction and scraping tools are used to end and remove the pregnancy. Later in pregnancy, forceps and other tools are used to remove the larger parts of the pregnancy.

One of the main risks of surgical abortion is uterine perforation, which is when one of the surgical tools pokes a hole in your uterus. This can lead to painful menstrual periods and future infertility. Other risks include:

• Uterine scarring
• Cervical damage
• Infection

How Can I Protect My Health?

Getting an ultrasound is the number one way to protect your health before making any pregnancy decision. This simple scan will help determine your pregnancy’s gestational age and give you other important information you need to know to stay safe.

It’s also essential to learn all you can about your options and ensure all your questions have been answered.

At HopePlace Berryville, we offer free, limited ultrasound referrals and informational appointments to give you what you need to protect your health. You’re not in this alone. Contact us today.