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Will I Regret Having an Abortion?

Throughout our lives, we go through circumstances that might turn out differently than we’d hoped or thought they would. Sometimes in our past, we’ve made choices that still bother us to this day. Other times, when we’re faced with a big decision, we might wonder how we’ll feel or react afterward. If you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant and considering abortion, maybe the question of regret is keeping you from deciding. So, where can you go to find answers and take steps forward in your pregnancy decision?

Are you wondering if you’ll regret having an abortion? You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Avenue Women’s Center is here to provide a listening ear and crucial information to help you decide with confidence. Our compassionate pregnancy consultants will listen to your concerns and answer any questions you might have.

Reach out today to take a step toward making a confident decision!

What Does Abortion Entail?

If you’re on the fence about abortion as a pregnancy decision, it can be helpful to gather information about abortion procedures. There are two different kinds of abortion: medical and surgical.

Medical:

  • commonly referred to as the abortion pill; typically involves two rounds of pills.
  • The first, mifepristone, can be taken at the clinic and is used to stop the growth of the pregnancy.
  • The second, misoprostol, is usually taken at home and causes contractions which expel the pregnancy from the uterus.
  • Only FDA-approved up to ten weeks after the first day of your last menstrual period.
  • Side effects can include bleeding, cramping, nausea, and dizziness.

Surgical:

  • Two different kinds: vacuum aspiration and dilation and curettage.
  • Vacuum aspiration is a procedure performed at a clinic between 4 to 7 weeks after the first day of your last period. A long, thin tube is inserted through the cervix and into the uterus and suctions out the pregnancy tissue.
  • Dilation and curettage (D&C) is a procedure performed at a clinic between 7 and 13 weeks after the first day of your last period. Metal dilators stretch the cervix open so vacuum aspiration can take place and, lastly, a curette (a loop-shaped tool) may be inserted to scrape out remaining tissue.
  • Possible side effects can include bleeding, cramping, nausea, and dizziness.

 

This information is limited and shouldn’t replace your speaking with a healthcare professional, doing more research, or visiting a first-step pregnancy clinic to learn more.

Evaluating Yourself

Sometimes when we’re faced with a big decision we don’t take the time to review our thoughts or feelings. We might be so focused on our options that we forget to connect with ourselves. It’s so important when faced with a pregnancy decision to think about your dreams, goals, and values. Ultimately, you want to make a choice that lines up with these things.

Finding Somebody To Talk To

After you’ve taken time to consider your feelings and desires, it can be helpful to reach out to somebody you trust or to an outside professional. Having support and somebody to be with you as you make decisions and plan for the future can be comforting. Maybe you can find somebody who has been in a similar circumstance or somebody who can help you process and talk through your options, such as a pregnancy consultant.

Nobody likes to feel regret in life. Make sure you’re making the right choice for your pregnancy! Having a compassionate expert to talk to can be helpful in your journey. Our caring pregnancy consultants at any of our six DuPage County locations would love to sit with you and help you process your situation.

Don’t let regret win—schedule an appointment with us today!

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Reference:

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.