If you’re considering abortion, it can help to slow things down and get accurate information about your health and your options before making any decisions.
Abortion is a medical procedure, and like any decision, it comes with physical and emotional considerations. Understanding how abortion works, how far along you are, and what risks may be involved can help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
At Abria, our highly trained team of medical and personal support professionals offers no-cost, confidential services, including pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, STD testing for women, options consultations, and more. Our services are provided by medical professionals licensed by the state of Minnesota.
Schedule a consultation to get the facts you need to understand your next steps.
Medical Abortion
There are two primary types of abortion:
A medical abortion, often referred to as an abortion pill, is an FDA-approved drug regimen used through 10 weeks of gestation. It involves two drugs taken in sequence. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to continue a pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes uterine contractions, which expel the pregnancy via vaginal bleeding.
In addition to vaginal bleeding and cramping, physical effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, or headache.
Possible risks of the abortion pill include heavier or prolonged bleeding, severe cramping, infection, fever or chills, and incomplete abortion, which may require medical follow-up.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion refers to an in-clinic medical procedure where an abortion provider removes the pregnancy from the uterus using suction or surgical instruments.
Common types of surgical abortion include vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage (D&C), and dilation and evacuation (D&E). All involve dilating the cervix and using suction or medical instruments to remove the pregnancy and related tissue, with local anesthesia or sedation.
After a surgical abortion, women may experience light bleeding or spotting and mild cramping for a few days.
Possible risks of surgical abortion include infection, cervical injury, uterine perforation, and uterine scarring. A healthcare provider can explain how these risks may vary based on gestational age and individual health factors.
An Ultrasound Is an Important First Step
At Abria, registered nurses perform limited OB ultrasounds free of charge.
An ultrasound provides essential information before making any pregnancy-related decision. It confirms how far along you are, checks viability by identifying whether the pregnancy is progressing with a heartbeat or if a miscarriage has occurred, and confirms the location of the pregnancy in the uterus to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.
An ectopic pregnancy cannot be treated with abortion drugs and requires immediate medical attention.
This information helps clarify your options and protects your health.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
If you’re considering abortion, start by getting the facts about your pregnancy and your health.
Text 651-360-2575 or call 651-350-1154, or schedule a medical consultation online with Abria today. All services are confidential and free of charge.
Abria does not provide or refer for abortions. All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.