Earlier, we discussed the potential mental health consequences of abortion. Now, let’s look at the physical side effects and possible risks. Although every woman’s abortion experience is unique, all methods involve some bleeding and cramping.
It’s critical to remember that Oklahoma law bans abortion after a heartbeat is detected, which is around six weeks of pregnancy. An ultrasound detects a heartbeat and determines how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Learn critical facts about your pregnancy with a free limited ultrasound at the Pregnancy Resource Center if you get a positive pregnancy test result from one of our tests. Schedule an appointment today.
What Are the Various Abortion Procedures?
There are two types of abortion: surgical and medical. Abortion providers perform surgical procedures in a hospital or clinic. Depending on how far along you are, they may use a combination of suction, scraping tools, or even forceps to remove larger parts of the pregnancy.
Medical abortions use drugs to terminate a pregnancy. The abortion pill method is a medical abortion because it uses two powerful drugs to end and expel a pregnancy.
Generally, the gestational age (how many weeks you have been pregnant) determines the abortion procedure, although you can have either a surgical or medical procedure early on.
What Are the Physical Effects of the Abortion Pill Method?
The FDA approves the use of abortion drugs through 10 weeks of gestation only. The drugs are less effective the farther along you are.
Possible Side Effects:
The FDA lists the following potential side effects on the drug label:
- Cramping
- Bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness and dizziness
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Diarrhea
The women in one study were surprised by the intense cramping and contractions.
Potential Risks:
The potential risks include the following:
- Failure to end the pregnancy or an incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Allergic reaction to the medications
- Infection
Possible Side Effects and Risks of a Surgical Abortion
The side effects of a dilation & curettage abortion can include mild cramping, spotting, or bleeding. These side effects can last several days.
Possible Risks:
The Mayo Clinic lists these possible risks:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
They suggest you contact your healthcare provider if you experience the following:
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
How Can the Pregnancy Resource Center Help Me?
Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can provide you with the facts about your pregnancy. Getting an abortion is a big decision, and you need as much information as possible beforehand.
Schedule an appointment at the PRC for free pregnancy services, such as pregnancy testing and a limited ultrasound. We’ll give you the information you need to make a confident next step.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.