There are different methods of abortions used depending on how far along you are in the pregnancy. Each procedure has possible risks and complications. To make a truly informed decision about abortion, you should seek professional pre-abortion screening and education on local laws and risks. Schedule a pre-abortion screening appointment with us today to learn more.
Medication Abortion
Commonly known as the abortion pill, medication abortion uses two different drugs to terminate a pregnancy. Medication abortion is only done for women up to 7 weeks of pregnancy.
Mifepristone is taken first and works to block the womb from absorbing progesterone (the pregnancy hormone). This causes the uterus to thin and stops the embryo from implanting and growing. Misoprostol is used about 24-48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and release the pregnancy through the vagina.
Common 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
- Infection
- Fever
Surgical Abortion
Different surgical abortions are done at different points of pregnancy. The two most common types of surgical abortion are aspiration abortion and D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) abortion.
During an aspiration abortion, an anesthetic is used to numb your cervix. Multiple surgical instruments are used to clear the contents of the uterus. This procedure is completed for women around 12-13 weeks pregnant.
A D&E (Dilation and Evacuation) abortion is the other type of surgical abortion. During this procedure, the cervix is dilated and anesthesia used. Surgical instruments are used to clear the contents of the uterus and a curette to scrape the inside. D&E abortion is for women more than 12 weeks pregnant.
Common Risks Of Surgical Abortion:
- Incomplete abortion
- Damage to the womb
- Injury to the cervix
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
Before Your Abortion
It’s vital to your health to confirm your pregnancy before taking any next steps towards abortion. Get free and confidential pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to verify your pregnancy and if it’s viable. An ultrasound will alert you to any possible pregnancy complications and help determine what types of abortion procedures you qualify for.
While First Choice Georgia does not perform or refer for abortions, we can discuss the various abortion procedures with you and answer your questions. You can also read the State of Georgia’s digital copy of Abortion: A Woman’s Right to Know for further information.
