If you are considering abortion, you may be seriously considering the risks that come with it. Be sure to understand both the mental and physical risks that come with taking the abortion pill, also known as medical abortion.
Your health is a top priority, so it’s important to understand if you qualify for the abortion pill and whether you have any unknown pre-existing health conditions that could make you more at risk for complications.
Physical Risks of the Abortion Pill
Medical abortion (the abortion pill) consists of two drugs. First, mifepristone stops the pregnancy from progressing and causes it to detach from the uterus. The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
There are serious physical risks, according to the Mayo Clinic. Here are some of the physical risks of the abortion pill:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Mental Health Risks of the Abortion Pill
There are also many mental health risks associated with abortion. A study on the National Institute of Medicine’s website shares, “Some women do have significant mental health issues that are caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience.” The Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic share emotions women may experience, including:
- Stress
- Guilt
- Loss
- Sadness
Safeguard Your Health
There are a couple of steps to safeguard your health and understand where your pregnancy stands before making a pregnancy decision, especially if considering abortion. You will want a medical provider to evaluate your medical history and overall health as a precaution.
Confirm your pregnancy at Alpha Women’s Center with a lab-quality pregnancy test and an ultrasound to determine how far along you are and if you are experiencing pregnancy complications such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today to understand your pregnancy and your options.