Abortion is the process of terminating a pregnancy, and how a woman is affected physically by abortion depends on many factors, including the type of abortion she has, risk factors, etc.
This article will explore the different ways that abortion might affect you physically. However, if you’re looking for free pregnancy resources or more information about your options, contact The Hope Bridge Pregnancy Resource Center.
Potential Side Effects and Risks of Abortion
There are two types of abortion: medical (also known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical, and each type of abortion will affect you differently.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion involves taking two powerful drugs at home. After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. The pain can range from mild to excruciating, and some women have reported being surprised by the intensity of the pain.
You might also experience a risk, which is rare but potentially life-threatening and includes:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus (this can quickly lead to an infection)
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is done in a clinic. The procedure involves dilating the cervix so that medical instruments (like strong suction, scraping tools, and sometimes forceps) can enter the uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy.
Physical risks associated with surgical abortion include:
- Uterine perforation (which is when one of the medical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus)
- Uterine scarring (which can lead to painful periods or future infertility)
- Cervical damage
- Infection
How to Protect Your Health
Before making a pregnancy decision, it’s essential to take the following steps to protect your health:
- Learn all you can about your pregnancy options, which include parenting, adoption, and abortion. This will ensure you’re making an educated decision.
- Get an ultrasound. This scan will give you the information you need to know to determine if you’re eligible for an abortion.
At The Hope Bridge Pregnancy Resource Center, we offer free, limited ultrasounds and a safe space to learn more about your pregnancy options.
Contact us today. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.
The Hope Bridge Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.