Abortion is a serious medical decision that can impact you in a number of ways.
However, every woman’s abortion experience can differ based on the side effects she has and if any complications happen. While it’s impossible to say exactly how abortion will affect you specifically, there are side effects and risks to know about so you can make an informed choice.
What to Expect: Medical Abortion
With a medical abortion, which involves taking drugs to end the pregnancy and trigger the uterus to contract, you can expect vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Those two side effects are how the drugs work to expel the pregnancy from a woman’s body.
While your provider can tell you how much pain and bleeding to expect, your experience could differ. Some women report that they experienced out-of-this-world pain, while other women may disagree or could have used strong pain medications.
The drugs mifepristone and misoprostol can also cause side effects. There’s the potential for nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea, headache, and upset stomach.
After taking the abortion pill, you could also experience vaginal bleeding for up to two or three weeks later.
If you experience a complication, you may notice some different signs and symptoms such as heavy bleeding, fever lasting more than four hours or starting in the days after misoprostol, chills or body aches, bad pain in the stomach area or pelvis, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and fast heart rate.
If you have any of the signs and symptoms of a complication, it’s vital to contact a health provider or go to your nearest emergency room. Complications can escalate quickly.
What to Expect: Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion involves going to a clinic or hospital for a surgical procedure that will remove the pregnancy and related tissue by first dilating (opening) the cervix and then using surgical tools to empty the uterus with scraping and suction.
The side effects of this procedure include mild cramping and light vaginal bleeding or spotting, which can last a few days.
If you experience a complication, you may notice foul-smelling vaginal discharge, fever, heavy bleeding, lasting dizziness or lightheadedness, fever, cramps lasting more than 48 hours, and pain that gets worse instead of better.
Again, make sure to contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you notice anything out of the ordinary. Your health depends on it.
Every Experience Could Differ
Considering all side effects and risks is critical because not every woman will have the same experience. You do not know how it will go until you are experiencing or recovering from the abortion. Make sure to do your research and safeguard your health.
Some complications can also be preventable. Before considering an abortion, talk with a healthcare professional about your health history. You may have a condition that makes a certain procedure unsafe for you.
You will also want to seek STD/STI testing and treatment and confirm your pregnancy’s gestational age, location, and whether it’s progressing with a heartbeat with an ultrasound scan. These steps can protect your health and ensure you make an informed choice.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today at The Open Door. We’re here to help you during your unplanned pregnancy and provide the early pregnancy services you need to move forward.
Note: Texas prohibits abortion except in life-threatening scenarios, but women cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for one.
The Open Door does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.