Finding out you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel like the world just shifted beneath your feet. It’s a moment often defined by a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, fear, and a lot of pressure to make a decision quickly. If you are considering abortion, you deserve more than just a quick search result; you deserve a clear, honest look at the medical facts and to meet with someone who can provide compassionate and confidential care.
Understanding abortion risks and safety considerations is a vital part of taking care of your health. Before you decide on your next steps, it is important to know what the procedures involve, what the potential risks are, and why certain medical screenings are non-negotiable when it comes to your safety.
The Two Main Types of Abortion
Abortion is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. The type of abortion available to you depends primarily on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
1. Medication Abortion (The “Abortion Pill”)
Often used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, this involves two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first pill blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. The second pill, taken 24–48 hours later, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.
Safety Considerations: This process involves heavy bleeding and intense cramping at home. It is not recommended for women with certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders, or those with an IUD currently in place.
2. Surgical Abortion
If a pregnancy is further along, a surgical procedure is required. This usually involves “aspiration” (suction) or “dilation and evacuation” (D&E). These procedures are performed in a clinic setting and may involve local anesthesia or sedation.
Abortion Risks and Safety Considerations
While many medical sources highlight the statistical safety of legal abortion, every medical procedure carries potential risks. Being informed means looking at the full picture so you can monitor your health effectively.
Physical Risks to Watch For:
- Incomplete Abortion: This happens when some of the pregnancy tissue remains inside the uterus. If not treated, it can lead to severe infection or prolonged bleeding, often requiring a follow-up surgical procedure (D&C).
- Infection: Bacteria can enter the uterus during or after a procedure. Symptoms include a high fever (over 100.4°F), foul-smelling discharge, or severe abdominal pain.
- Heavy Bleeding (Hemorrhage): While bleeding is expected, “heavy” is defined as soaking through two or more maxi pads per hour for two hours straight. This requires immediate medical attention.
- Damage to Internal Organs: Though rare, surgical instruments can sometimes cause a “perforation” (a hole or tear) in the uterine wall or damage to the cervix.
Long-Term Considerations:
According to the Mayo Clinic, certain surgical procedures like a D&C can rarely lead to the development of scar tissue in the uterus (Asherman’s syndrome). If you have concerns about how a procedure might impact your future health or fertility, discussing your specific medical history with a provider is essential.
Why Pre-Abortion Screening is a Safety Must
You might feel tempted to rush into a decision to “get it over with,” but skipping the pre-abortion screening process can be dangerous. RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics, recommends three critical things you need to confirm before choosing an abortion:
1. Confirming a Viable Pregnancy
Not every positive pregnancy test results in a developing pregnancy. Statistics show that up to 20% of all pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. If the pregnancy isn’t viable, an abortion procedure would be an unnecessary medical risk and expense. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm if the pregnancy is progressing.
2. Determining Gestational Age
The “how far along am I?” question isn’t just for curiosity. It determines which procedure you are eligible for. Using the abortion pill too late in pregnancy significantly increases the risk of an incomplete abortion and emergency complications.
3. Ruling Out an Ectopic Pregnancy
This is perhaps the most critical safety consideration. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants outside the uterus (usually in a fallopian tube). The abortion pill will not end an ectopic pregnancy. If left undiagnosed, an ectopic pregnancy can cause the fallopian tube to rupture, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. Only an ultrasound can confirm the location of the pregnancy.
Emotional and Mental Health
Your physical health is only one part of the equation. Many women find that an unplanned pregnancy brings up complex emotions. It is completely normal to feel a range of things—from relief to sadness or regret. Taking the time to process these feelings in a safe, non-judgmental environment is just as important as the physical check-up. Choosing to discuss your pregnancy options in person or through a telehealth education consultation is based on your comfort level.
Your Next Steps
You don’t have to navigate this alone, and you don’t have to make a choice today. Your health and safety should always come first.
Before you make a final decision, empower yourself with the facts. At RealOptions Obria Medical Clinics, we provide a safe, confidential space for young women to explore all their options. We offer professional pre-abortion screenings, including lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, to give you the medical information you need to stay safe.
Take a deep breath. You have time to be sure.
Book a confidential appointment at RealOptions today to speak with a medical professional about your options and receive a pre-abortion screening before taking your next steps.
Disclaimer: This website and blog do not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content from this website and blog is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on this website is intended for general understanding only.
