Making a pregnancy decision is a significant moment in your life. The option you choose affects you the most, so getting all the information needed before proceeding is important.
If you’re thinking about abortion, know it’s a significant decision with side effects and risks. There are several things to do before making a final choice, and we’ll walk you through how to protect your health.
Keep reading to learn more about essential things to know when considering abortion. Or schedule a no-cost appointment to speak to a caring team member.
Confirming Your Pregnancy is Essential
Making a pregnancy decision isn’t as straightforward as reviewing your options and moving forward. Before selecting any option, including adoption, gathering information about your pregnancy and health is crucial.
Only an ultrasound can offer those critical pregnancy details. This scan provides the following information needed for you to consider your health and safety:
Viability
Is your pregnancy developing, and does it have a heartbeat? As many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, which may need monitoring or medical treatment to prevent complications.
Gestational Age
Your “gestational age” refers to how far along you are. This information can help you determine what options are available.
For example, medical abortion is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks gestation. Taking abortion drugs after that time isn’t recommended.
Location
Pregnancies should be located in the uterus. However, some women experience an ectopic pregnancy. This life-threatening condition occurs when the fertilized egg implants in another location, like a fallopian tube or the cervix.
If you have an ectopic pregnancy, immediate medical treatment is required to protect your health. An ultrasound will provide the information needed to take those next steps.
Gather Information on Abortion Procedures
All abortion methods have risks and side effects you should know. Learning this information will help you to weigh this option with your health.
Medical abortion causes cramping to the stomach area and vaginal bleeding, with some women reporting the pain to be severe. Taking misoprostol, the second drug in the abortion pill regimen, can also cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Additionally, there are risks associated with medical abortion, including infection and heavy, prolonged bleeding.
Surgical abortion can cause mild cramping and light vaginal bleeding. This procedure can also pose certain health risks, including cervical damage and scar tissue on the uterine wall.
If you’re considering abortion, you owe it to yourself to learn everything you can about this option. Thinking about the potential impacts and reviewing your health history can provide further insight into your next steps.
Think Through All Your Options
In addition to learning the risks and side effects of abortion, it’s critical to review your other options: parenting and adoption.
If you’ve been reluctant to learn about these options because of your current circumstances, you may be surprised to learn what support is available. For example, we can connect you to reputable adoption agencies and provide parenting classes, material aid, and more.
We are here for you. The decision is entirely yours; we’ll provide the information needed to help you feel prepared and confident.
No-Cost, Confidential Services
Facing an unexpected pregnancy? Next Step Pregnancy Solutions & Services will help you get the facts on all your options, including abortion. We also provide ultrasound referrals so you can get answers.