Abortion recovery looks different for every woman, depending on the type of procedure they’ve had.
Learn more about what to expect if you are considering an abortion.
What Are the Common Abortion Side Effects?
Surgical
Surgical abortions require an in-person visit to a clinic. Abortion providers perform the procedure while the patient is under anesthesia. According to the Mayo Clinic, typical side effects may last a few days and can include:
- Cramping
- Spotting or light bleeding
Medication (also known as the abortion pill)
A medication abortion requires a series of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. One ends the pregnancy, and the other induces cramping to expel the fetus and pregnancy remnants.
Bleeding and spotting can occur up to 30 days after the procedure. Other common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
What Are the Health Risks of an Abortion?
Risks of Surgical Abortion
The risks of surgical abortion may include the following:
- Internal damage from one of the surgical instruments
- Excessive bleeding that gets worse instead of better
- Infection
- Scarring
- Allergic reaction to the medicines or anesthesia used
- Not removing all of the tissue which would require another procedure
Risks of Medical Abortion
Potential risks of medical abortions include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion
- An ongoing, unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Your Future Health
While there are many potential known and expected side effects, abortion can also cause some complications to your future health:
- A 2013 study found that women who have had abortions are more than twice as likely to have a very early preterm delivery in future pregnancies.
- A surgical abortion can sometimes cause uterine scarring, making it difficult to get pregnant again, or cause complications in future pregnancies such as a low birth rate or premature birth.
Next Steps
Before making any decision, it’s essential to gather as much information as possible, such as verifying the pregnancy’s gestational age and location to ensure it is not ectopic.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the information, we offer no-cost options consultations allowing you to process your questions in a safe, compassionate environment.
Contact us today to schedule a no-cost consultation appointment or a referral for a no-cost, on-site ultrasound. We are here to help you!