How Will Abortion Affect Me Physically?

March 26, 2025

If you are considering abortion, it’s important to understand how it might affect you physically.

Abortion procedures can vary depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy, and each type of abortion comes with unique risks to your health.

Read on to learn more about how abortion can affect you physically—or contact us today to schedule your Pre-Abortion Screening to get the essential details you need to stay safe and make an informed decision.

How Abortion Works

There are two primary types of abortion: medical abortion and surgical abortion.

• Medical abortion involves taking two drugs. The first, mifepristone, blocks the hormone needed to sustain the pregnancy. Without it, your uterine lining will loosen and your pregnancy will detach and eventually end. The second, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Medical abortion is typically only an option in the early stages of pregnancy.
• Surgical abortion is a procedure performed in a clinic where medical instruments are used to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. The type of surgical abortion varies based on how far along you are. For example, earlier in pregnancy, scraping tools and strong suction are used to remove the pregnancy. However, later on, forceps might be needed to pull out larger parts of the pregnancy.

Physical Risks of Abortion

While abortion is often presented as a quick solution, it carries potential physical risks, including:

• Heavy bleeding: Some bleeding is normal, but excessive bleeding may require medical attention.
• Infection: Incomplete removal of pregnancy tissue can lead to infection, which may cause fever, pain, and potentially life-threatening complications, like sepsis.
• Cramping and pain: Both medical and surgical abortions can cause significant cramping, abdominal pain, and discomfort. And some women have reported that the pain they experienced after a medical abortion was unexpectedly severe.
• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea: Side effects from the drugs used in medical abortions can lead to gastrointestinal issues.
• Damage to the uterus or other organs: Surgical abortions carry a risk of injury to the uterus or surrounding organs. This can cause future painful periods or infertility.

Why a Pre-Abortion Screening is Essential

Before seeking an abortion, getting a Pre-Abortion Screening at First Choice Pregnancy Services is critical. We provide free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy’s viability, determine how far along you are, and rule out complications like ectopic pregnancy. This information is essential to protect your health and understand what options are available to you.

We will also go over your health history because certain medical situations make you eligible for certain abortion options.

Our caring team will provide you with the facts you need and a safe space to ask questions and explore your options. Contact First Choice Pregnancy Services today to schedule your Pre-Abortion Screening and get the support you need to make an informed decision.