Facing an unexpected pregnancy can be tough, particularly if you feel forced to make your pregnancy decision quickly. You may have feelings of anxiety, as you think about how your parents will respond to the pregnancy news. You may be contemplating abortion, and if you are, we want you to know the things you need, the risks associated, and the other options you should contemplate before making your decision.
Our staff understands the anxiety you are feeling. At Aim Women’s Center, we are here to walk with you, and to help you navigate your unique situation.
As soon as you verify that you are pregnant, you then have to consider your pregnancy options. Abortion is one of your three pregnancy options, and it’s vital that you understand all of the information associated with any major medical decision. We will share accurate information about what you need before proceeding with an abortion, so you can be prepared to make the best decision for you.
What Are the Differences Between the Types of Abortions?
The stage of pregnancy you’re currently in will determine which abortion procedure is available to you. The two main types of abortions are surgical and medical. Each procedure carries its own individual risks. Because abortion is a major medical procedure, it is best to understand what could potentially go wrong
What Is a Surgical Abortion?
Women who are over ten weeks into their pregnancy must have a surgical abortion. A surgical abortion ends a pregnancy with surgical instruments, by extract the tissue from the uterus. These often require anesthesia. A few of the risks associated with surgical abortion include excessive bleeding, damage to the womb or cervix, scarring of the uterus, and infection.
What Is a Medication Abortion?
A medication abortion, or the abortion pill, ends a pregnancy with two different drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. This abortion method is limited to women who are ten weeks pregnant or less. The drugs work sequentially to end the pregnancy. . Mifepristone first blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin. This eliminates the pregnancy’s ability to grow. Misoprostol is a second drug taken several hours after the first drug. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy tissue
Abortion procedures are serious medical decisions. For your own safety, it is imperative to verify your pregnancy and how far along you are through lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound scan prior to scheduling your abortion appointment.
What do I Need Before my Abortion Appointment?
1. Lab-Quality Pregnancy Test
Prior to making an abortion appointment, your pregnancy should be confirmed through a lab-quality pregnancy test. There are often inaccuracies with at-home pregnancy tests, so confirmation with testing of greater accuracy helps you move forward with certainty. To get a free, lab-quality test, schedule an appointment with Aim Women’s Center today.
2. Ultrasound Scan
If your lab-quality pregnancy test returns positive, an ultrasound scan will help you determine what type of abortion you are eligible for. . An ultrasound reveals three vital pregnancy details, including:
- Pregnancy viability to ensure an elective abortion is needed to end the pregnancy
- Pregnancy location to ensure there is not an ectopic pregnancy
- Pregnancy age to determine what options are available to you
3. Briefing on Pregnancy Options
The moment you are medically certain that you and your fetus are healthy, it’s time to begin thinking about your pregnancy options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. We are here to walk with you during this journey. If you are in need of any of our free, confidential services, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.