Abortion is a permanent, life-changing decision that comes with physical risks and side effects. After abortion, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, but other potential physical effects will depend on the type of abortion and your own unique situation.
Read on to learn more about how abortion might affect you physically. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy options, contact Relevant Pregnancy Options Center today to get connected with one of our caring team members. All appointments are free and confidential.
What Are the Side Effects of Abortion?
There are two main types of abortion: medical (also known as the “abortion pill”) and surgical.
Medical abortion involves taking two different powerful drugs that work together to end and then expel the pregnancy through the vagina. These drugs may cause the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Surgical abortion involves opening the cervix so that medical instruments can enter the uterus to remove the pregnancy. The main side effects associated with surgical abortion are vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping.
What Are the Risks of Abortion?
Risks are less common than side effects, but they are also more severe.
The risks associated with medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Medical abortion is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks gestation, and attempting to take these drugs beyond this timeframe can increase your chance of experiencing risks. This is why it’s essential to get an ultrasound to find out the age of your pregnancy before seeking a medical abortion.
The risks associated with a surgical abortion include:
- Perforation of the uterus (which is when one of the abortion instruments pokes a hole in your uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
- Uterine scarring
The following can be signs that you’re experiencing a complication after a surgical abortion:
- Heavy bleeding (changing a pad every hour)
- Prolonged dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Next Steps
Thinking about your pregnancy options can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone in this. At Relevant Pregnancy Options Center, we’re here for you with free pregnancy resources and information that can help you make a confident, informed decision. Contact us today to be connected with one of our caring team members.