If you recently found out you are pregnant, you may feel like you need to make a decision quickly. You feel the weight and pressure of your circumstance and want to find a solution. Ivy Women’s Center understands, and we want you to make the best decision for your unique situation. Abortion is a serious medical procedure, and understanding the requirements and various risks associated with the procedure is vital for your health.
If you have received a positive on a lab quality pregnancy test and the pregnancy is verified through an ultrasound exam, you then can begin to ponder your three pregnancy options: parenting, adoption, or abortion. If you are leaning in the direction of getting an abortion, please read carefully through this article to understand what abortion is, and the steps required to have the procedure.
Two Types of Abortion: Surgical vs. Medication
Depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, you will have access to a certain type of abortion: surgical or medication. Pregnancy testing and ultrasound exams will verify the gestational age of your pregnancy so you can proceed safely as you think about your options.
A surgical abortion, offered to women who are more than ten weeks and less than 22 weeks into their pregnancy, terminates a pregnancy by using surgical instruments to extract the fetus from the uterus. A few of the risks associated with surgical abortion include excessive bleeding, damage to the womb or cervix, scarring of the uterus, and infection. Anesthesia is often required for this procedure.
The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, terminates and expels your pregnancy via two different drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Mifepristone disables the womb’s ability from absorbing progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin. This process makes it nearly impossible for the embryo or fetus to implant and grow. Misoprostol is typically taken several hours after Mifepristone, and it affects your body by expelling the fetus through the vagina by forcing uterine contractions.
Only women within ten weeks of their pregnancy are eligible to receive medication abortion. Some of the risks associated with medication abortion include incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, infection, and fever.
Many women have reported severe mental health issues following their abortion procedure. It is best to stay in close contact with mental health professionals throughout this process.
Prerequisites for an Abortion
Because abortion is a serious medical procedure, there is a series of testing that is required for you to move forward with your abortion.
1. Get a Lab-Quality Pregnancy Test
Before scheduling an abortion appointment, you should receive a lab-quality pregnancy test. To get a no-cost, lab-quality test, schedule an appointment with Ivy Women’s Center today. Our team can help you get the clarity you need, so you can be confident as you explore your pregnancy options.
2. Verify Your Pregnancy with an Ultrasound Exam
For your own safety, your pregnancy is required to be carefully checked through an ultrasound exam. An ultrasound reveals two vital pregnancy details, including:
- Checking for ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage
- Checking how far along you are
3. Understand Your Pregnancy Optionstest
Many women find out they are pregnant, and they initially feel that they are forced into making one particular pregnancy decision. We want you to understand all of your options before moving forward.. There are three different pathways of pregnancy: parenting, adoption, and abortion. We are happy to explain the facts about each option, and empower you to make the best decision for you.
If you’d like to learn more about any of your pregnancy options, contact us today. We are here for you.