We’re glad you’re asking the important questions. There are physical and mental consequences to every abortion, and it’s good to be aware of the possibilities. Potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, bleeding, and cramping. Possible risks include incomplete abortion, heavy bleeding, and severe cramping.
Take the time to get the facts. At Southwest Options for Women, we provide accurate, scientifically-based information on all abortion procedures.
The Abortion Pill Method
Every pregnancy needs certain hormones to survive. One of those vital hormones is progesterone. It helps thicken the uterine lining so the fertilized egg can stay implanted.
The abortion pill is a medical or medication abortion because it uses two drugs. The first drug blocks progesterone from reaching the uterus, terminating the pregnancy.
The second drug causes contractions to push the pregnancy out of the body through the vagina.
Physical Side Effects of the Abortion Pill Method
According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are the possible physical side effects:
- Cramping
- Bleeding
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Physical Risks of the Abortion Pill Method
The Mayo Clinic also lists the following potential physical risks:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Also possible:
- Heavy bleeding – soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
The Physical Side Effects of a Second Trimester Abortion
Abortion is legal in Minnesota until the time of fetal viability. That means up until the fetus can live outside the mother’s body, usually around 23 to 24 weeks.
An abortion provider uses a combination of vacuum or suction aspiration, a sharp spoon-shaped device to scrape out the lining of the uterus, and, if necessary, forceps to remove larger parts of the pregnancy.
The physical side effects include the following:
- Pain
- Vomiting
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Fever and chills
- Cramping
- Bleeding
Physical Risks of a Second Trimester Abortion
The potential physical risks include the following:
- Perforation of the uterus
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Also possible:
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
Before Any Abortion
There are certain factors you need to confirm before any abortion. It’s critical to take a second pregnancy test to confirm the results of an at-home test. We also recommend an ultrasound. Currently, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) estimates that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage.
At SouthWest Options, we offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. Get the information you need before planning an abortion. Contact us for free and confidential pregnancy services and a free options consultation. We’re here for you.