Choosing to have an abortion is a major medical decision, and we’re glad you are asking these critical questions. Every woman’s abortion experience is unique, but you should expect physical and emotional symptoms no matter the abortion method used.
Physical Symptoms
Bleeding and cramping are part of every abortion procedure, but we want you to know what to expect so you are prepared to get emergency assistance if necessary.
The two types of abortion methods are medical and surgical. The abortion provider determines which procedure to use based on how far along you are in your pregnancy.
Medical Abortion
The FDA has approved using drugs like the abortion pill to terminate a pregnancy through 70 days (10 weeks) or less since the first day of a patient’s last menstrual period. It’s vital to know how far along you are in your pregnancy.
The abortion pill method uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. Discuss with your healthcare provider before taking mifepristone because it can have adverse reactions with many other medications. For instance, do not take this drug with certain antibiotics or medicines for depression, anxiety, or pain.
Physical Symptoms
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Abdominal cramping
- Vaginal bleeding
When to contact emergency care
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
Surgical Abortion
There are several different surgical abortion procedures depending on the length of your pregnancy. Most abortions today are performed in the first trimester, but some women have abortions in their second and even third trimester. These require a surgical procedure.
In-clinic surgical abortions can use vacuum or suction aspiration, scraping the lining of your uterus with a sharp spoon-shaped instrument, or forceps to remove larger parts of the pregnancy.
Physical Symptoms
- Cramping
- Bleeding
- Nausea
- Sweating and feeling faint
- Fever
When to contact emergency care
- Bleeding that’s heavy enough that you need to change pads every hour
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Pain that gets worse instead of better
- Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina
Emotional Symptoms
Many women report feeling relief immediately following their abortions. However, some women develop significant mental health issues weeks, months, or years later. Women who previously struggled with depression and anxiety are particularly vulnerable to adverse mental health problems after their abortion.
In addition, as your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state, pregnancy hormones can also cause moodiness and possibly depression.
How We Can Help You
Because the courts have banned abortion in Missouri, you must travel to access an abortion. At Willowbrook Women’s Center, you receive a no-cost pre-abortion screening, including pregnancy testing, ultrasound, and more.
Be prepared and know what to expect. Schedule your no-cost appointment today!
