Unexpectedly finding yourself pregnant can cause a flood of feelings – scared, confused, numb, angry, sad, lonely…. Sorting through those feelings, and the pressures behind them, takes time. And always in the mix is feeling pressure that the decision needs to be made “soon.” So what happens when you find yourself looking into abortion at 10 weeks?
If you or someone you know is facing an unplanned pregnancy, please let Avenue Women’s Center be your first step. We provide confidential services that include free pregnancy consultations, and we are standing by to help you. Appointments are available in Elmhurst, Glen Ellyn / Lombard, Naperville, and Wood Dale, Illinois. For more information, or to schedule a consultation, please call, text, or email us.
An abortion at 10 weeks can be done in two forms.
Medication Abortion at 10 Weeks (70 days)
The medication abortion or abortion pill, also known as RU-486, can be taken up until 70 days. After 70 days, the FDA no longer approves of RU-486’s use. The Abortion Pill consists of 2 types of medication, and administration must be overseen by a licensed physician. The first medication, called Mifepristone, prevents the pregnancy from developing any further. The second medication, called Misoprostol, is taken about 24-48 hours later and starts the expulsion of the pregnancy. During this process, women experience bleeding and most likely pain/cramping. Some women also experience chills, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. The bleeding is typically more intense than a normal period and can last anywhere from 9 to 16 days. A woman’s doctor must remain involved to ensure that the woman’s symptoms are within the normal/safe range. A follow up appointment with the doctor is necessary to make sure all contents of the uterus were removed. The abortion pill does have a failure rate, and if that were to take place, often the surgical abortion procedure would be recommended.
Surgical Abortion at 10 Weeks
The other form of abortion at 10 weeks is the first-trimester surgical abortion, also called suction curettage. Local anesthesia may be given to help numb the area, while some clinics use what is called Twilight anesthesia. This surgical procedure should also be performed by a licensed physician. The doctor will make sure a woman’s cervix is dilated (often using metal dilators) so that they can fit a plastic tube (called a canula) into her uterus. This tube is attached to a vacuum-like machine that suctions out the contents of the uterus. This process usually involves the woman being able to go home the same day. Some bleeding and cramping may occur in the days to follow, the patient communicating with her doctor to ensure that her health is protected.
When Looking Into Your Options
One of the most important things to do when you are looking into your pregnancy options and next steps is to find out exactly how far along you are. This is significant in determining which type of abortion you may qualify for, especially since there is a cut-off timeframe for the abortion pill. Ultrasound is the best way to determine how many weeks pregnant a woman is. Avenue Women’s Center is able to provide free limited medical ultrasound services to many Chicagoland women each year.
If you are thinking about abortion at 10 weeks, here at Avenue Women’s Center, we think the best “service” we can provide is time spent with our caring staff members. We are able to provide you a private pregnancy consultation with one of our supportive and compassionate pregnancy consultants. You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts, explore your options, and get important information to help you determine what next steps are best for you. We believe having a knowledgeable and trustworthy pregnancy consultant alongside you during this decision is valuable. We care about you, and look forward to hearing that you are feeling confident as you move forward. We hope you will call or text us today.
Resources:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (2015, May). Induced Abortion. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Induced-Abortion#abortion
- US Food and Drug Administration. (2016, March). Medication Guide: Mifeprex. Retrieved from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020687s020lbl.pdf
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.