For many women, an unexpected pregnancy can lead to worry, stress, and anxiety. It’s normal to feel nervous if you’re uncertain about what to do next. You may already be aware that abortion is one of your three pregnancy options. Are you thinking about having an abortion, but still seeking clarity? One of your first steps may be locating answers to your questions. It’s easy to feel a loss of control because of the pregnancy. That’s why gaining clarity about your situation can be important. It can help you decided what is best for you based on your present circumstances.
Are you seeking clarity in an abortion decision? Avenue Women’s Center is here to offer guidance within a nonjudgmental environment. We understand how gathering reliable information about your choices can seem overwhelming. That’s why our expert pregnancy consultants can meet with you for a confidential appointment. Our caring staff will answer any questions about abortion, the different procedures, as well as your abortion alternatives. We’ll counsel you through your decisions and help you take your next steps toward following through with a plan.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation at one of our six offices in DuPage County!
Am I Really Pregnant?
Confirming your pregnancy is one way to gain clarity about your decision. Taking a pregnancy test at home is an option. However, scheduling an appointment with a doctor or a pregnancy consultant can help ensure accurate results. Afterward, you can meet with these professional resources to gather more information about your options.
Do you have questions about abortion procedures? It’s good to know about the different abortion methods. That way, you can assess your level of comfort and be aware of any potential risks. Knowing what to expect can help you see if an abortion is right for you.
How Far Along Am I?
The type of abortion procedure available to you usually depends on your pregnancy’s gestational age. Some abortion methods may take longer because the pregnancy is more advanced. How far along you are can also impact the cost of the abortion. The further along you are, then the more expensive the procedure tends to be.
An ultrasound exam can assess the progress of your pregnancy. It can also inform you if there are any early risks, such as a miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy. You’ll want to know if either of these complications is present before you schedule an abortion. These are typically serious medical conditions that may require immediate treatment.
Being alerted ahead of time is crucial information that can play a large role in your decision. Women whose pregnancies are likely to end early are usually not eligible for an abortion. Knowing this ahead of time can help you craft an alternative plan and locate the right treatment.
What Are the Different Types of Abortions?
Non-Surgical Abortion:
This kind of abortion is also referred to as a “medical,” “chemical” abortion, or the “abortion pill.” It is FDA-approved up to ten weeks after your last menstrual period. You may be required to take pills to end the pregnancy. The medications you may be given are usually called mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first dose terminates the pregnancy by blocking the hormone it needs to continue – progesterone. The second dose may cause contractions that expel the uterine content. Some side effects from a medical abortion may include:
- Excessive bleeding for several hours or days
- Incomplete abortion
- Nausea/vomiting or diarrhea
- Fever/chills
Surgical Abortion:
Surgical abortion may happen a few different ways depending on how far along you are. You may have a suction aspiration abortion if it’s still early in your first trimester. If it’s later in your pregnancy, you may have a dilation and curettage abortion. Surgical abortion may involve dilating your cervix, followed by suctioning/scraping the uterine content from your body. The possible risks from this type of abortion may include:
- Cramping
- Excessive bleeding
- Possible damage/tearing to the cervix
- Perforation of the uterus/Scarring of the uterine lining
An unexpected pregnancy can be a challenging, scary situation. Try not to feel pressured to make a decision too quickly. You have time to process information and think carefully about what you need. If you have questions about abortion or your other choices, you can always seek out support.
Do you need help finding clarity in a possible abortion decision? Avenue Women’s Center can meet with you to discuss what path may be best for you. During your appointment, you’ll receive the information you need to make an informed choice. We can provide you with a free, limited ultrasound exam to help you prioritize your health as you make your decision.
Schedule your free consultation session with us today!
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References:
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2015, May). Induced Abortion. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/patient-resources/faqs/special-procedures/induced-abortion
- (2019, March). After Abortion Care. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/after-abortion#side-effects-and-complications
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.