Every woman experiences an abortion differently. It all depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy, your physical and emotional health, and the type of procedure you have. No one can predict how you will be affected, but we can give you the physical side effects you might expect
The Physical Effects of the Abortion Pill Method
The FDA approves the use of abortion drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The farther along you are, the less effective the drugs are. Experts recommend meeting with your healthcare provider beforehand to review your medications and overall health.
Bleeding and cramping are a part of every abortion, but you might experience heavier bleeding, including blood clots, with the abortion pill method. You can also expect cramping. Women in one study reported extreme contractions that they called “out of this world.”
Other side effects you might experience include:
- A low-grade fever or chills.
- Fatigue.
- Nausea.
- Dizziness.
- Diarrhea.
Contact your abortion provider or seek emergency care for the following:
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- Diarrhea and digestive pain.
- An allergic reaction to the drugs.
- Infection, which may include a fever and an unpleasant vaginal odor.
The Physical Effects of a Surgical Abortion
Surgical procedures range from suction or vacuum aspiration to removing the pregnancy and tissue with medical instruments like a scraping tool called a curette. Depending on how far along you are, the abortion provider may need to use forceps, too.
In addition, you may need to have general or local anesthesia. The abortion provider might also have to dilate (open) your cervix.
Side effects you might experience include:
- Bleeding.
- Cramping.
- An allergic reaction to the anesthesia.
Other complications could include:
- A tender or painful belly.
- Fever.
- Heavy bleeding with blood clots.
- Severe abdominal cramping
- An unusual or foul-smelling vaginal discharge which might indicate an infection.
How Can PCS Health Help Me?
If you are considering abortion for your unplanned pregnancy, getting as much information as possible is essential. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can provide factual medically-based information about abortion procedures, the side effects to expect, and the potential physical and emotional risks.
Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment at PCS Health. We can verify your pregnancy with free pregnancy testing and a limited ultrasound, and discuss your situation. We’re here for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.