If you think you may be pregnant, getting accurate medical information is a vital first step before making any decisions. 1st Choice for Women offers confidential pregnancy tests and ultrasound referrals to help confirm your pregnancy, determine how far along you are, and give you the information you need to make an informed choice.
Schedule an appointment today to learn more about your options and speak with our caring team.
What is a Medical Abortion?
A medical abortion uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end a pregnancy. It is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation and does not require surgery or anesthesia.
Mifepristone works first by blocking the hormones that maintain the uterine lining, making it unable to support the pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken next, causing the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. The process can begin at a medical office or at home, but access to a healthcare professional by phone or online is important in case complications arise.
It is also critical to speak with a medical professional beforehand, as medical abortion is not appropriate for everyone. Possible risks include:
- An incomplete abortion, where tissue remains in the uterus
- An ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection or fever
- Digestive symptoms such as nausea or upset stomach
What is a Surgical Abortion?
A surgical abortion, sometimes called a procedural abortion, removes pregnancy tissue from the uterus through the vagina. In the first trimester, this is typically done using suction or a surgical tool called a curette, in a procedure known as dilation and curettage (D&C).
Later in the second trimester, a procedure called dilation and evacuation (D&E) may be used, combining vacuum aspiration with surgical tools. An ultrasound is performed beforehand to confirm how far along the pregnancy is and where it is located.
Recovery typically involves bleeding, spotting, and cramping as the uterus returns to its normal size. Though complications are uncommon, possible risks include:
- Tissue remaining in the uterus
- Injury to the cervix
- Perforation of the uterine wall
- Moderate to severe bleeding
- Infection
Why should you Confirm Your Pregnancy First?
Before making any decision, confirming your pregnancy and verifying its location and viability with an ultrasound is critical. Some pregnancies occur outside the uterus and require immediate medical attention.
1st Choice for Women is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a confidential appointment for a pregnancy test,ultrasound referral, and compassionate, judgment-free support.
1st Choice for Women does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
