Facing an unplanned pregnancy? You’re not alone. In fact, up to 50% of pregnancies in the US were not planned. Although every situation is different, you are not alone in what you’re facing.
If this is you, then one of the options presented to you (in addition to parenting and adoption) is abortion. This is an incredibly personal decision, so it’s important to understand the options and potential risks associated with this procedure.
Potential Mental Health Risks
With any medical procedure, there are almost always physical risks, however, the mental health consequences are a real component that deserve consideration as well. There are several studies that reveal the possibility for increased mental health issues for women after having an abortion, although for some it is immediate while others it is more long-term.
Some potential side-effects after an abortion include:
Potential Short-term Risks
Physical risks vary by abortion type and how advanced you are in the pregnancy.
Any medical procedure will always include some type of risk.
Here is a list of potential risks listed by the Mayo Clinic that are possible during or shortly after medical abortion (a method used up to 10 weeks gestation):
Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work (with the risk of birth defects)
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Infection
Fever
Digestive system discomfort
If you choose a surgical abortion, there are some other potential side effects such as heavy/prolonged bleeding, infection, weakening of the cervix, fever, feeling faint, cramps lasting more than 48 hours, and more.
Potential Long-Term Risks
While there are some immediate short-term risks that will subside, It’s also important to realize that terminating an unplanned pregnancy can have an impact on future fertility should you want to become pregnant again in the future.
Surgical abortion can cause perforation of the uterus as well as uterine scarring, which can potentially make it make it difficult to get pregnant again or cause complications in future pregnancies.
Abortion weakens a woman’s cervix, so those who carry another pregnancy to term after undergoing abortion may experience increased complications or are more likely to have a premature delivery.
Infants who are born prematurely are more likely to have severe metabolic dysfunction, experience autism, social or intellectual impairment, cerebral palsy, and other disabilities.
Before An Abortion
Deciding whether or not to continue with your unplanned pregnancy should be made after scheduling an ultrasound and talking with a medical professional so you know your options and whether or not you’re at risk for an ectopic pregnancy.
Schedule your no-cost ultrasound to discuss your options with our compassionate team.
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