Navigating an unexpected pregnancy can be a challenging experience, filled with uncertainty about the next steps. If you are thinking about abortion, it’s important to focus on three key steps to ensure your health and safety.
These steps include getting informed about the facts, undergoing an ultrasound, and carefully evaluating your medical circumstances.
1. Get Informed
Abortion is more than a set of drugs you take; it’s a serious medical procedure. You need to be aware of the side effects and risks surrounding this decision.
The abortion pill is made up of two drugs used to terminate a pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone from your system, while misoprostol expels the pregnancy through the vagina.
Side effects can range from mild to severe. As well as cramping and bleeding, you may experience:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
The risks include:
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
An ultrasound is the definitive method to confirm a pregnancy. While a pregnancy test can indicate a positive result, it can give an inaccurate result and doesn’t account for the possibility of an early miscarriage, which occurs in about 26% of all pregnancies.
Ultrasounds also confirm key pregnancy details you need to know, such as:
- Location: This is essential to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which is when the pregnancy develops outside your uterus. If this is happening, you need emergency medical treatment.
- Age: The nurse will take measurements of your pregnancy that can help determine the age.
- Viability: An ultrasound can reveal if your pregnancy has signs of viability, such as a heartbeat. If the pregnancy isn’t viable, you will need emergency medical treatment.
Even if you are considering abortion, these are valuable pieces of information you need when deciding what to do next in your pregnancy.
2. Evaluate Your Medical Background
A medical abortion may not be right for you if you:
Are too far along in your pregnancy.
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place.
- Have a suspected pregnancy outside of the uterus.
- Have certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines.
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care.
- Have an allergy to the medicine used.
It’s recommended you speak with a trusted health provider to protect your overall health and wellness.
3. You Don’t Have To Do This Alone
Pregnancy Services of Ionia County (PSIC) is here to walk with you on this journey. Our caring team can answer all your questions and concerns, as well as offer you free services to confirm your pregnancy.
Get a free pregnancy test and limited ultrasound with us. Schedule an appointment today