Your body goes through a lot during pregnancy, and it will go through changes again if you decide to end it. If you’re thinking about abortion, it’s important to understand what it might mean for your physical health, both immediately and in the days after the procedure.
Every woman is different, and no one can predict exactly how your body will respond. But learning about the process, side effects, and possible risks can help you protect your health.
At the Pregnancy Care Center of Rincon, we’re here to offer answers, support, and early pregnancy services. Schedule a no-cost appointment today.
What Happens During a Medical Abortion?
A medical abortion—commonly called the abortion pill—uses two drugs to end and expel an early pregnancy. The first (mifepristone) terminates the pregnancy by blocking progesterone, and the second (misoprostol) causes the uterus to contract and empty.
Misoprostol causes abdominal cramping and heavy vaginal bleeding to expel the pregnancy and related tissue. These symptoms can be intense, depending on how far along you are and other factors. Other side effects may include nausea, vomiting, chills, diarrhea, headache, and fever. Some women describe the process as more painful than they expected.
Possible complications include incomplete abortion, infection, or prolonged bleeding. If you experience severe pain, high fever, or heavy bleeding (such as soaking multiple pads per hour), you should seek medical care right away.
What Happens During a Surgical Abortion?
Surgical abortion is done in a clinical or hospital setting and typically involves sedation or local anesthesia. A provider dilates the cervix using drugs or surgical instruments and removes the pregnancy using a mixture of suction and scraping with tools like a curette and forceps. Women can experience cramping and light bleeding afterward.
Complications can include infection, damage to the cervix, uterine perforation (poking a hole in the uterus), or scar tissue formation on the wall of the uterus.
You’re Not Alone in This Decision
The physical effects of abortion can vary, so it’s important to gather facts about your pregnancy and assess your health before proceeding. We’re here to help you explore your options and protect your well-being.
Schedule your appointment today for no-cost pregnancy services and honest, compassionate support.
The Pregnancy Care Center of Rincon does not provide or refer for abortion. All abortion information sourced in this blog is accurate at the time of writing.