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An unplanned pregnancy can be a shock, especially if you are still in school or feel unprepared to parent. You may wonder about your pregnancy options and might have heard of abortion. But do you understand the different procedures, risks, and side effects? There are two types of abortion procedures: medical abortion and surgical abortion.

Staying informed is the best way to make a confident decision. We’ll walk you through the different abortion procedures and what to expect. 

Is Medical Abortion Painful?

Medical abortion is performed up to the tenth week of pregnancy and uses two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that sustains a pregnancy, and misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the pregnancy. 

This procedure causes abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which can be painful. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, chills, fever, headache, and diarrhea. Many women manage their pain with over-the-counter medications. 

Your chance of developing risks is low but possible. These risks include:

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

You must stay on top of your health after having any abortion procedure. Have regular follow-up visits with your provider and visit the emergency room if you feel something is amiss. 

What Happens During a Surgical Abortion?

Surgical abortions are generally performed later in pregnancy. They use medication, surgical instruments, and suctioning to remove the pregnancy. 

Like medical abortions, surgical abortions typically cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. The further along you are, the more severe your side effects may be. 

Serious risks can occur with surgical abortion procedures, including:

• Infection
• Scar tissue on the uterine wall
• Damage to the cervix
• Perforation of the uterus

Seek immediate medical attention if you express symptoms like heavy bleeding or fever. 

Before Making a Decision

Before you decide to have an abortion, consider coming to New Beginnings of Winchester for free options counseling. We’ll give you accurate information about your pregnancy options. We also offer free ultrasounds to confirm key pregnancy details.

Make an appointment today. You deserve to receive care in a loving, supportive environment.