Two pink little lines with huge, life-changing implications can surprise even the best planner. According to the CDC, an estimated 45 percent of pregnancies are unintended. If abortion is something you are considering for an unplanned pregnancy, it is best to first know the facts and risks.
Do All Types of Abortions Carry the Same Risks?
There are several different types of abortions, all of which carry risks to your body–though some methods bring more severe side effects than others.
According to Mayo Clinic, abortion can cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which is an infection of the female reproductive organs caused by the spread of bacteria.
Abortion can also cause Pelvic infection, which can result in long-term scarring.
Heavy bleeding and fever are also associated with all types of abortion.
Abortion can also cause septic shock, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Symptoms of septic shock include:
- Extreme body temperatures
- Severe pain
- Pale extremities
- Feelings of confusion, restlessness, or fatigue
- Shaking chills
- Low blood pressure, especially when standing
- Inability to urinate
- Heart palpitations
- Rapid, pounding heart rate
- Difficult, rapid breathing with shortness of breath
If you are having any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider right away.
What Risks Are Specific to Each Type of Abortion?
Medication Abortion
Taking the abortion pill or having an abortion by mifepristone comes with several risks according to Mayo Clinic, including:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Surgical Abortion
Women who received a surgical abortion commonly reported bleeding, blood clots, cramping, sweating, and feeling faint.
Other risks of surgical abortion according to Mayo Clinic include:
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
What Now?
As you can see, all abortion procedures come with risks. These are important to know, especially before you travel out of state for an abortion. We’re here to help you process your pregnancy and provide the answers you need to move forward.
We can talk through your next steps, and alternative options, and offer pregnancy services free of charge. Please fill out our contact form or give us a call today at 281.578.0078.