If you are considering abortion, questions about what your body will go through deserve honest answers. Physical recovery looks different for every woman, and having accurate information before making any decision can help you feel more supported, empowered, and prepared for what lies ahead.
At Hope Women’s Center, we offer no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds after a positive test in a safe, welcoming environment. You are welcome to bring your partner. Make an appointment today.
Medical Abortion: What Your Body Goes Through
A medical abortion, commonly called the abortion pill, uses two drugs taken in sequence. The first, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone that supports early pregnancy. The second, misoprostol, is taken a day or two later and causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy through cramping and vaginal bleeding.
Cramping and bleeding will occur and are part of the process. For some women, the cramping can be significantly more intense than a typical menstrual period. Other side effects may include:
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Fever, chills, or headache
- Passing blood clots or tissue
Potential risks include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, and incomplete abortion, where tissue remains in the uterus and requires follow-up medical treatment. The abortion pill is approved by the FDA through 10 weeks of gestation; using the drugs beyond that window increases the risk of complications.
Surgical Abortion: What to Expect
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinical setting and uses suction or instruments to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. Cramping and bleeding following the procedure are expected as the uterus returns to its normal size.
Possible surgical abortion-related risks may include uterine perforation, cervical injury, infection, heavy bleeding, or scar tissue formation inside the uterus. Scar tissue formation has been associated with changes in future fertility.
Why an Ultrasound Matters First
Before any decision is made, an ultrasound can provide important information about your pregnancy, including gestational age, whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus, and whether the pregnancy is viable and progressing. This matters because gestational age is an important factor in understanding your health and your options, and an ectopic pregnancy cannot be treated with the abortion pill and requires prompt attention.
A positive pregnancy test is required to qualify for a limited ultrasound at Hope Women’s Center. Our no-cost testing is a safe, confidential first step.
You Do Not Have to Navigate This Alone
Abortion is one option, but parenting and adoption are also supported paths, and you deserve to understand what each one looks like before making any decision. Hope Women’s Center is here to walk alongside you with accurate information, community assistance referrals, and compassionate support, however you choose to move forward.
Here, you can breathe and find your footing. Make a no-cost, confidential appointment at Hope Women’s Center today.
Hope Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.