What Are the Different Types of Abortion?

There are two main categories of abortion – medical (the abortion pill) and surgical. Both come with risks and side effects and are available at different times throughout pregnancy. Keep reading to learn more about each kind and various factors to consider before making your decision.

What Are the Side Effects and Risks Related to Abortion?

It’s important to note that abortion is a serious medical procedure and may be accompanied by side effects and health risks. Women taking the abortion pill may encounter nausea, fever, chills, dizziness, diarrhea, weakness, vomiting, and headaches. In addition to these common side effects, health risks include infection, sepsis, and hemorrhaging. Health risks related to surgical abortions may include infection, prolonged bleeding, uterine perforation, and injury to the cervix.

Are There Different Types of Abortions?

There are two main methods of abortion, medical and surgical. The type of abortion you have is determined by how long you’ve been pregnant (gestational age).

Are You Certain You’re Pregnant?

Experts say up to 20% of known pregnancies end in a natural miscarriage. The percentage could be even higher because many miscarriages occur before a woman realizes she’s pregnant. You can get a positive pregnancy test for days or even weeks after a miscarriage.

Do You Know How Long You’ve Been Pregnant?

Knowing the number of days you’ve been pregnant is important when determining whether you have a medical or surgical abortion. Are you sure you know when you got pregnant? The exact time when a woman can get pregnant each month fluctuates, so knowing the date can be tricky.

Women's Health & Unplanned Pregnancy FAQ • Anytown, US

Q: What Are the Risks of Abortion?

Did the pregnancy test say “positive?” Are you thinking, “It’s got to be wrong. I’m not supposed to be pregnant now. Pregnancy is not part of the plan!” There’s nothing easy about discovering an unexpected pregnancy, but you have options. One of those options is abortion. Make sure you understand the side effects and risks of abortion while looking at the long-term effects as well.

How do I know if I’m pregnant?

There are many pregnancy symptoms that point to pregnancy. One of the most common symptoms is a missed period. To get the most accurate pregnancy test results, wait one week after your missed period to confirm if you’re pregnant. Some other common pregnancy symptoms include:

Swollen, tender breasts
Nausea with or without vomiting
Increased urination
Fatigue
Moodiness

How much will my appointment cost?

All of our support and services at Pathways Pregnancy Resource Center are at completely no cost to you! We know the financial burden that comes with pregnancy and we wanted to unload some of that burden by providing no-cost services.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, we want you to have the most enjoyable experience at our center! If bringing someone you trust along makes you feel more comfortable, they are more than welcome to come along.

Why Do I Need An Ultrasound?

An ultrasound does more than just reveal a heartbeat, it reveals the stage and condition of pregnancy you have. An ultrasound confirms your pregnancy’s viability, location of the pregnancy, and how far along you are.

What Are The Risks of Abortion?

Many women don’t understand the risks of abortion before choosing this option. There are two types of abortion procedures, medical or surgical abortion. Each has different and serious risks and side effects involved.

Medical Abortion Risks

Potential risks include:

Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
Digestive system discomfort
Heavy and prolonged bleeding
Fever
Infection

Surgical Abortion Risks

Before 14 weeks of pregnancy, risks include:

Another procedure needed to remove parts of the pregnancy that have stayed in the womb
Heavy bleeding,
Damage to the womb, or sepsis

After 14 weeks of pregnancy, risks include:

Needing another procedure to remove parts of the pregnancy that have stayed in the womb
Heavy bleeding
Infection
Injury to the womb or entrance to the womb (cervix)

What if I don’t know my next steps?

Don’t worry, many women face this same question. At Pathways Pregnancy Resource Center, we are here to help navigate your pregnancy. If you haven’t confirmed your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test yet, that’s your first step!