If you are asking this question, perhaps you are facing an unplanned pregnancy. If this is so, there are answers you need before making a choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First of all, do you know for sure if you are pregnant? Pregnancy symptoms can be similar to those of the flu or an impending period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start with a pregnancy test. Our team at Pregnancy Choices can provide you with lab-quality testing at no cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your test result is positive, we can also perform an ultrasound to determine your pregnancy status and other vital facts. Contact us<\/a> to schedule an appointment today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. They each work differently and have their own sets of risks and side effects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n What is known as the abortion pill is a medical abortion<\/a>. And, it is not one drug, but two.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first drug, mifepristone, begins the process by blocking progesterone, a hormone necessary for the pregnancy to continue. This will cause the pregnancy to end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hours or days later, a woman takes misoprostol to cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and related tissue. There will be abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The woman must watch for signs of a complication, such as bleeding too heavily or a foul-smelling vaginal odor. These could indicate infection or an incomplete abortion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical abortion may not be safe for some women. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The FDA<\/a> has only approved the procedure through the first ten weeks of pregnancy. After this timeframe, another procedure may be considered safer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are also certain health conditions<\/a> that would rule out medical abortion as an option, such as having a suspected ectopic pregnancy<\/a>, having an IUD in place (it would need to be removed), or taking certain medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An ultrasound<\/a> can protect your health and safety by measuring gestational age (how far along you are). It can also determine if your pregnancy is progressing with a heartbeat and is located inside the uterus (not ectopic).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to an ultrasound, receiving STD testing and talking with a medical professional about your health history can safeguard your health before moving forward with a medical abortion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The second type of abortion is a surgical abortion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A dilation and curettage abortion (D&C<\/a>) involves a physician dilating (opening) your cervix with medical instruments or drugs, then removing the pregnancy and related tissue with a sharp tool called a curette. The physician may also use suction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later in pregnancy, in the second trimester, there is also a dilation and evacuation abortion (D&E<\/a>). A D&E is similar to a D&C abortion. However, it can involve more tools, such as forceps, to remove the pregnancy.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both procedures come with risks<\/a>, such as uterine perforation (poking a hole in the uterus), damage to the cervix, scar tissue on the uterine wall, and infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your next best step is to contact<\/a> Pregnancy Choices. We can provide the medical information and ultrasound scan you need, as well as facts on abortion and other options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We exist to help women and men navigate unexpected pregnancies in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. We look forward to hearing from you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical Abortion: Mayo Clinic https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/tests-procedures\/medical-abortion\/about\/pac-20394687<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dilation & Curretage: Mayo Clinic Dilation & Evacuation: Kaiser Permanente Mifeprex (Mifepristone) Information: FDA Ectopic Pregnancy: Mayo ClinicMedical Abortion: How Does it Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Safety Considerations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Surgical Abortion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Should You Do Next?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/tests-procedures\/dilation-and-curettage\/about\/pac-20384910<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/healthy.kaiserpermanente.org\/health-wellness\/health-encyclopedia\/he.dilation-and-evacuation-d-e.tw2462<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.fda.gov\/drugs\/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers\/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/diseases-conditions\/ectopic-pregnancy\/symptoms-causes\/syc-20372088<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n