Abortion, no matter which method you have, has a physical effect on every woman’s body. Although no one can accurately predict how you will respond physically, you can expect specific side effects and be aware of potential physical risks. At Hope Place, your health and safety are important to us. You deserve to have the facts.
What Happens if I Use the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill method is also known as a medication abortion because it uses drugs to terminate a pregnancy. According to experts, you can experience the following physical reactions to the drugs:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- You could also have an allergic reaction if you are allergic to either of the drugs.
Bleeding and cramping are a part of every abortion. How much you bleed depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy. Be prepared to visit an emergency room if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy bleeding – soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
When using the abortion pill method, it’s vital you know how far along you are in your pregnancy. The easiest way to confirm the date is with an ultrasound. We can make a referral for an ultrasound locally.
What Happens if I Have a Surgical Abortion?
The earliest form of surgical abortion is called suction or vacuum aspiration. Abortion providers perform this procedure if you are still in your first trimester (12 weeks or under) of pregnancy. As with all abortions, you can expect cramping and bleeding.
As your pregnancy progresses, the abortion provider adds surgical instruments such as a sharp scraping tool or forceps to remove larger parts. Abortions later in pregnancy require your cervix (the part of the body leading to the uterus) to be dilated (opened) and usually local or general anesthesia.
Experts recommend contacting your abortion provider or seeking emergency care if you experience any of the following:
- 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
Do I Have to Travel for an Abortion?
Arkansas banned abortion unless necessary to save the mother’s life. It will be essential for you to travel to obtain an abortion. The FDA does not recommend ordering the abortion pill online. They highly regulate the first drug, mifepristone. When you order it online, the FDA can’t guarantee the drug quality, proper dosage, and other safeguards to protect your health.
Can Hope Place Show Me Other Options?
You have other options, and a member of our caring team will be happy to discuss those with you. We promise to provide you with services and information you can trust.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment with us. Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we can give you factual information about procedures, side effects, and potential risks. We’re available to talk about all of your needs and help you find a solution. Call (870) 217-0672.