When a pregnancy is unplanned, the questions can feel like they come from every direction at once. What are my options? What do I do next? Who can I trust? Before you make any decisions, one of the most important things you can do is slow down, get accurate information, and find a space where you can think clearly without pressure or judgment. That is exactly what Greater Hope Care Center is here for.
At Greater Hope Care Center, our team of advocates is here to walk alongside you with confidential, no-cost services, including lab-quality, self-administered pregnancy tests, options consultations, and ultrasound referrals. Request a confidential appointment today.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
Medical abortion, commonly referred to as the abortion pill, is an FDA-approved regimen used through 10 weeks gestation involving two drugs:
Mifepristone is taken first. It works by blocking progesterone, the hormone that allows a pregnancy to continue.
Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through cramping and vaginal bleeding.
What to expect physically and possible side effects:
- Cramping and vaginal bleeding, typically heavier than a menstrual period
- Blood clots, sometimes up to the size of a lemon
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, or headache
- Symptoms vary depending on how far along the pregnancy is
Potential risks include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- An incomplete abortion requiring additional medical treatment
Women should have access to emergency care if a complication arises.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is an in-clinic procedure in which a provider removes the pregnancy from the uterus using suction or surgical instruments. Types include vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage (D&C), and dilation and evacuation (D&E). All involve dilating the cervix and are performed under local anesthesia or sedation.
After a surgical abortion, some women experience light spotting and mild cramping for a few days. Potential risks include infection, heavy bleeding, damage to the cervix or uterus, or scarring of the uterine lining.
Risks can look different for every woman depending on how far along she is and her individual health history, which is why consulting a healthcare provider before making any decision is an important step.
Why an Ultrasound Matters
Before making any pregnancy decision, an ultrasound provides critical information. It estimates how far along the pregnancy is, checks for a heartbeat to assess viability, and confirms the location of the pregnancy to detect a potential ectopic pregnancy.
Greater Hope Care Center can provide an ultrasound referral so you can access this important information.
You Have More Support Than You May Realize
A pregnancy decision is one of the most significant choices you will face, and you deserve to make it with full information and genuine support behind you.
Contact Greater Hope Care Center today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
Greater Hope Care Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
