An unexpected pregnancy can bring up a flood of emotions and questions. If you are thinking about abortion, one of the most important things you can do is learn exactly what abortion involves and the risks before you make any decisions.
At Pregnancy Care Center of Rincon, we offer free, confidential pregnancy services to give you the information and support you need, including pregnancy testing and an ultrasound (if your pregnancy test is positive), so you can move forward with clarity.
The Two Types of Abortion
Abortion procedures generally fall into one of two categories: medical abortion (often called the abortion pill) and surgical abortion. The method that applies to your situation depends on how many weeks along you are and your overall health and pre-existing conditions.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
Medical abortion uses a two-drug regimen and is approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks of gestation.
The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking the necessary hormone progesterone, which the pregnancy needs to continue developing. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken shortly after (24-48 hours later) and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and related tissue.
The procedure involves heavy vaginal bleeding with blood clots up to the size of a lemon, and abdominal cramping as the uterus contracts to push out the pregnancy.
This type of abortion typically happens at home over several hours or days. Because of the risks involved, follow-up care is essential to confirm that the process is complete and that no complications have developed. Access to emergency medical care is a must, and you should have an emergency plan in place before starting this process.
How Does Surgical Abortion Work?
A surgical abortion (also called a procedural abortion) is performed in a clinical setting, typically once a pregnancy has passed the 10-week mark, though some procedures are done earlier.
Both types of surgical abortions happen under anesthesia or sedation due to the pain.
- Vacuum aspiration is performed during the first trimester. It mostly uses suction to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
- Dilation and Curettage (D&C) involves dilating the cervix and inserting surgical instruments for scaping and suction to remove the pregnancy.
- Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is used later in pregnancy and is similar to a D&C, but it takes more time and usually tools such as forceps to remove larger pieces of the pregnancy.
Light vaginal bleeding or spotting and mild cramping can follow. As with all procedures, there are risks. Read more about abortion risks in this article.
Why an Ultrasound Matters First
Before pursuing any type of abortion, getting an ultrasound is a critical first step.
An ultrasound tells you how far along your pregnancy is, which directly affects which procedures are available to you. It also confirms whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus or elsewhere, since a pregnancy outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) cannot be treated with abortion and requires different medical care entirely.
An ultrasound can also reveal whether the pregnancy is progressing with a heartbeat. If not, this means you may have miscarried, which requires either expectant management or another type of care.
Get Care at Pregnancy Care Center of Rincon
You should never have to make a major medical decision without the full picture. Our team is here to walk alongside you with honest information, a listening ear, and no judgment. Our services are completely confidential and always free.
If you are considering abortion or simply want to understand your options better, reach out to us today to schedule an appointment. We can help you determine whether an ultrasound referral is your best next step and make sure you have everything you need to move forward with confidence.
*Pregnancy Care Center of Rincon does not perform or refer for abortions.
**All abortion information cited in this blog is accurate at the time of writing.