The two types of abortions are:
- Medical
- Surgical
The gestational age of your pregnancy usually determines the type of abortion you’re eligible for. By confirming a pregnancy through a medical-grade urine test and ultrasound, you can better understand your options and what your next step will be.
What Is a Medical Abortion?
Medical abortion is the termination of pregnancy by medication. This procedure is also called a chemical abortion and uses a medication regimen commonly referred to as the abortion pill.
Knowing the gestational age of your pregnancy is important before using this medication, as the Mayo Clinic states that women pregnant for more than nine weeks are not eligible for this procedure. In fact, “Some types of medical abortion aren’t done after seven weeks of pregnancy.”
Speaking with a health care provider about your current health, health history, and receiving a complete physical is important to protect your wellness.
The Mayo Clinic also states before a chemical abortion, things medical professionals will most likely do are:
- Evaluate your medical history and overall health
- Confirm your pregnancy with a physical exam
- Do an ultrasound exam to date the pregnancy and check that it’s not outside the uterus (ectopic pregnancy) and not a tumor that developed in the uterus (molar pregnancy)
- Do blood and urine tests
- Explain how the procedure works, the side effects, and possible risks and complications
Risks women should know associated with medical abortions are:
- Infection
- Fever
- GI upset
- Hemorrhaging
- Ongoing pregnancy
- Incomplete abortion
What is a Surgical Abortion?
Surgical abortion is an invasive termination method that uses surgical techniques to end a pregnancy. There are two types of surgical abortions:
- Dilation and curettage (D&C): Done in the first trimester, uses surgical instruments or drugs to (dilate) the cervix and an instrument called a curette (a sharp tool or suction device) to remove the pregnancy tissue.
- Dilation and evacuation (D&E): Done in the second trimester and typically uses vacuum aspiration and D&C methods as well as surgical instruments.
Risks of this procedure include:
- Injury to the cervix
- Uterine perforation
- Infection
- Hemorrhaging
Speaking about your concerns or questions with your medical provider or pregnancy center is essential to gain the understanding you need before undergoing this serious procedure.
Who Can I Speak With?
Contact us today if you want clarity on all your options or to ask questions regarding your choices.
We provide confidential, no-cost appointments, pregnancy tests, and limited ultrasounds. We want to help you make an informed decision so that you can move forward with confidence.