When you find yourself unexpectedly pregnant, figuring out what to do next can feel like an impossible task. Weighing your options alone can feel overwhelming.

Women may consider an abortion for various reasons. They might have financial concerns, want to finish their education, or are struggling in their relationship. Whatever your situation, know that you’re not alone.

If you’re considering abortion, know we’re here for you with trustworthy, factual information. Our Client Advocates provide this information as part of our options consultations. Get the facts in a safe, private setting.

Medical Abortion

Medical abortion is FDA-approved through ten weeks gestation and uses drugs to end a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, and misoprostol causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy and related tissue from the uterus.

If you have a medical abortion, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, both of which can range from mild to severe.

Additionally, you could have the following side effects:

• Nausea (with or without vomiting)
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Chills

Medical abortion-related risks are rare, but they can happen. These risks include:

• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort
• Incomplete abortion (which may require a surgical procedure)
• An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)

Surgical Abortion

Surgical abortion uses drugs, surgical tools, and/or suctioning to end a pregnancy. The methods a provider uses depend on multiple factors, including your gestational age.

Like a medical abortion, you can always expect some degree of abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding with this procedure. The risks, though rare, are severe and can result in long-term complications.

They include:

• Uterine perforation (when a surgical tool pokes a hole in the uterus)
• Damage to the cervix
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Infection

Before Deciding

Before making any pregnancy decision, protect your health with an obstetric ultrasound, An ultrasound will confirm key pregnancy details that enable you to make an educated decision and move forward.

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Wayne County provides ultrasound referrals and options consultations. All services are free and offered in a non-judgmental setting. We’ll help you understand what each option entails so you can make a confident decision.

Reach out today to learn more about your pregnancy options.

Note:

If you have already taken the first abortion drug, mifepristone, and wish to continue your pregnancy, help is available. Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) uses progesterone to attempt to counteract the effects of mifepristone.

Time is of the essence, as APR is most effective if started within 72 hours of taking mifepristone. Contact the Abortion Pill Rescue Network to find a provider in your area.