28 Apr What Happens to Your Body After an Abortion?
You may be considering abortion as one of your options when you learn you’re pregnant. Abortion is a serious medical procedure, and it is important to understand the physical side effects and risks you may experience following one.
You deserve to have all of the facts!
What Happens During an Abortion?
Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy. There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. Medical abortions occur earlier in pregnancy, usually before ten weeks. They use two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks the production of progesterone and prevents a fertilized egg from continuing to attach to the uterine wall, while misoprostol causes contractions and expels the pregnancy tissue through the vagina.
Surgical abortions occur later in pregnancy and are more complicated. Providers use small surgical instruments or medication to dilate the cervix, and either a gentle suctioning technique or an instrument called a curette is used to remove the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
What Occurs After an Abortion?
You may experience a variety of side effects following an abortion. Some of these may be mild, while others may be severe. Some of the side effects you can expect to experience include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Vaginal bleeding
- Headache
- Diarrhea
There are risks to abortion that can lead to greater medical problems. Speaking beforehand to a trusted professional such as a doctor will help get your questions answered and protect your health in the process. According to the Mayo Clinic, physical effects that indicate you may need further medical attention include:
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Bleeding that is heavy enough that pads need to be changed every hour for more than two hours
- Pain that worsens instead of improving
If you have any of these side effects, don’t delay in seeking help. Seek emergency medical care immediately. You may be experiencing a complication from the abortion procedure.
Questions?
If you are considering abortion and would like to speak with someone about the physical risks, reach out to Lighthouse Pregnancy Resource Center today. We are here to talk about your pregnancy options and give you the information you need.
Contact us today to request an appointment.