When facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, it’s important to take time to learn about the various abortion procedures. Each procedure is unique with risks associated. Every abortion is a serious medical procedure.

At Pregnancy Options Miami, we provide free and confidential services, resources, and information on all your options. You have three primary pregnancy options: parenting, adoption, and abortion. If you are contemplating abortion, we want you to have accurate information so you can understand the types of procedures and risks associated with each.

How a Chemical Abortion Works

 A chemical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, is a procedure that combines two drugs that alter hormonal systems to terminate a pregnancy.

The first drug, Mifepristone, is used to block the womb from absorbing progesterone, the hormone that allows the pregnancy to grow. Without the presence of progesterone, the pregnancy will not be able to develop, causing fetal demise.

The final drug, Misoprostol, causes contractions and forces the pregnancy from the uterus through cramping and bleeding.

Before starting this process, you should have an ultrasound. The ultrasound determines how far along you are in your pregnancy, and if your pregnancy is viable. A viable pregnancy means a heartbeat is detected and the embryo or fetus is growing inside the uterus.

Only women within 10 weeks of pregnancy are eligible for the chemical abortion. The ultrasound will also help you determine the precise gestational age.

Are there side effects and risks related to chemical abortion? 

Bleeding and cramping are to be expected as the pregnancy is forced from the uterus, women may also experience other side effects like nausea, fever, vomiting, dizziness, chills, weakness, diarrhea, and headaches.

In addition to these side effects, some long-term health risks related to the abortion pill include infection, sepsis, and hemorrhaging. 

If you have any pre-existing medical conditions that could be of concern in combination with a chemical abortion, it is best to contact a medical professional prior to your procedure.

How a Surgical Abortion Works

There are two variations of surgical abortions: Dilation and Curettage (D&C) and Suction Curettage.

In a D&C procedure, the abortion provider will dilate the cervix and then remove the pregnancy from the uterus using a tool called a curette. This form of abortion takes place within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. 

In a Suction Curettage abortion, the abortion provider will use a suctioning device to pull apart and remove the pregnancy. The uterus will then be scraped to ensure there is no tissue remaining. This procedure is typically available within the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. 

Each of these abortion types are serious medical procedures.

Are there side effects and risks related to surgical abortions? 

Both types of surgical abortion will often result in nausea, vomiting, bleeding, cramping, and dizziness. 

Additionally, there are risks of infection, hemorrhaging, sepsis, lacerations to reproductive organs, & cervical incompetence.

How to decide if abortion is right for you 

Before making any major medical decision, it is imperative that you stay fully informed about potential risks and side effects. There are many factors at play when you make a pregnancy decision. We recommend having supportive, insightful friends surrounding you during this time. If you don’t have a strong support system at this time, our team at Pregnancy Options Miami will be your helping hand.

Visit Pregnancy Options Miami for lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy, determine how far along you are, and understand your potential health risks. Knowing this information will help you determine if abortion is right for you.


Schedule your free pre-abortion screenings today at Pregnancy Options Miami.

 

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