3 Things Needed Before Abortion
Things may seem like a whirlwind right now, but know you are not alone. Take the time you need to consider all your pregnancy options and receive advice and support. At Assure Women’s Center, our compassionate staff is here to walk with you.
Abortion is one of your three pregnancy options. Here is more information about what you need before proceeding with this decision, and what the risks are. You deserve to know them all. Get the insight you need to move forward.
Surgical vs. Medication Abortion
Knowing how far along you are will determine what type of abortion you are eligible for. Surgical abortion terminates pregnancy by using different types of surgical instruments to remove the fetus. This type is for women over 10 weeks pregnant and normally involves anesthesia. Risks of surgical abortion include excessive bleeding, damage to the womb or cervix, scarring of the uterus, and infection.
Medication abortion, also known as the pill, terminates pregnancy through two different drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Mifepristone first blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin and stops the embryo from implanting or growing. Misoprostol then expels the pregnancy through the vagina by causing the uterus to contract.
Medication abortion is only for women 10 weeks pregnant and under. Risks of medication abortion include incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, infection, and fever.
1. Get a Lab-Quality Pregnancy Test
Prior to moving forward with abortion, get your pregnancy confirmed with a lab-quality pregnancy test. This will confirm the results of your at-home pregnancy test, as there is still a chance for inaccurate results. Schedule a no-cost and confidential pregnancy test at Assure Women’s Center today. Our team can help you get the clarity you need.
2. Verify Pregnancy with Ultrasound
After confirming your pregnancy through a lab-quality pregnancy test, verify the results with an ultrasound. An ultrasound reveals three vital details about your pregnancy, including:
- The viability of your pregnancy (has a heartbeat)
- The location of your pregnancy
- How far along you are
An ultrasound also verifies if you miscarried or have an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy growing outside of the uterus). In either of these cases, an abortion procedure would not be an option. Your doctor would guide you in what medical procedure would be needed.
3. Understand Your Pregnancy Options
Before this procedure, you will need proof of a confirmed pregnancy through a pregnancy test and an ultrasound. Once you’ve confirmed you have a viable, healthy pregnancy, learn about your pregnancy options. You have three options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. If you’d like to talk more about the option of abortion, or any other pregnancy options, contact us today. We are here for you with free and confidential support!
