An unexpected pregnancy can inspire a sense of panic. Feeling anxious, you may have found yourself wondering if abortion is the right option for you. It’s normal to have questions about what you should do next. Making a decision about your pregnancy is rarely a clear-cut answer. Stress, anxiety, and concern are common following a positive pregnancy test. Allowing yourself time to process your unexpected pregnancy decisions can help you feel confident about your choice. But how much time should you have to think about an abortion decision?
Making a decision about your unexpected pregnancy is difficult. You may be wondering how much time you should give yourself before you commit to a choice such as abortion. Avenue Women’s Center has served women in the midst wide variety of unexpected pregnancy situations. We offer nonjudgmental support and reliable information about your options. Our expert staff can provide a private consultation to answer your questions about abortion, the different types of procedures, as well as potential alternatives.
Contact us today so our caring client advocates can help you navigate the unexpected pregnancy decision-making process!
Evaluate All of Your Options
Believe it or not, you are not the first woman to feel overwhelmed about making a pregnancy decision. Many women have found themselves faced with the same valid questions. How do know what to do? Is having an abortion right for me? What steps should I take to gather more information?
After learning you were pregnant, abortion might have come to your mind as a potential decision. However, it’s important to research all of your options before you move forward with a plan. This can help you in making a decision you feel good about. Analyzing the pros and cons of abortion, adoption, and parenting can take time. But try to remember there’s no deadline you have to meet during this very personal process.
You may be going through a mix of emotions. You deserve to be able to breathe and think carefully about your choices. There’s no rush. Adoption counselors, healthcare providers, and pregnancy consultants are available to supply you with reliable information to help you decide.
Learn About Abortion Costs and Procedures
When considering abortion, it can be helpful to know as much as you can about the procedure before you schedule an appointment. There are many different ways abortion is performed. Often the process you undergo is dependent upon how far along you are in the pregnancy. This is why it may be important to arrange an ultrasound exam through your healthcare provider or pregnancy consultant to determine gestational age, as this may give you a better idea of what abortion options are available to you.
Feel free to ask questions about the differences between surgical and non-surgical abortions. This can aid in assessing your level of comfort with each method.
Medical Abortion:
This abortion method typically does not involve surgery, and it’s sometimes referred to as RU-486. The “abortion pill” is FDA-approved through the first nine weeks of your pregnancy. You may be given a dose of mifepristone to take orally during your first appointment. This blocks a pregnancy hormone known as progesterone and prevents the pregnancy from continuing. About 36-72 hours later, you may then be told to take misoprostol. The second dose of RU-486 typically brings on contractions to expel the contents of the uterus. This may take a few hours or days.
Aspiration Abortion:
Aspiration abortion is a type of surgical abortion that is often done during the first 6 to 16 weeks gestation. Your provider may administer a local anesthetic to your cervix to cause numbness. You want may want to verify beforehand with a medical professional that there is no risk of experiencing a negative reaction to the anesthesia. A tenaculum may be used to dilate the cervix and hold it in place before a cannula is inserted to remove the pregnancy. While the surgery usually lasts 10-15 minutes, you may need a few hours of recovery time afterward.
Dilation and Evacuation:
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is another type of surgical abortion. This method is usually performed after 16 weeks gestation. In some cases, laminaria or synthetic dilators may be inserted in your cervix 24 hours prior to the abortion. The next day, your provider may use a tenaculum to hold the cervix and uterus in place. Cone-shaped rods may also be used to continue the dilation process. A numbing medication may be used on your cervix. And a shot may be administered before your provider uses a cannula to remove tissue from the lining. A curette may then be necessary to scrape away anything residual. While this procedure usually takes 15-30 minutes, you may need some additional time for recovery.
Balancing risks with your level of comfort regarding each abortion method is something to factor into your choice. An abortion decision can take time. Try not to feel bad about giving yourself space to think and do research. Your feelings matter in this process, and resources are available to talk you through them.
Are you thinking about abortion as an unexpected pregnancy option? The caring staff at Avenue Women’s Center will provide you with relevant information about the different types of procedures. We also offer free, limited ultrasound exams to provide details about your pregnancy that can be factored into your choice.
Reach out today for free consultation and support throughout your pregnancy!
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References:
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.