What to Know Before Abortion

When facing an unplanned pregnancy, abortion might seem like your only option. However, making an informed choice requires understanding the abortion dos and don’ts.

These guidelines can help ensure your safety and well-being throughout the process. At Pregnancy Decision Line, we’re committed to providing you with the facts you need. Here’s what you need to know before considering an abortion.

1. Verify Your Pregnancy with an Ultrasound

One of the most critical things to do before an abortion is confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound.

Ultrasounds provide the insight needed to make an informed and empowered decision for an unplanned pregnancy. They determine two key things about your pregnancy: viability and gestational age.

Viability

An ultrasound determines if your pregnancy is viable and growing inside the uterus by detecting the fetal heartbeat. If it cannot be detected, it may indicate that a miscarriage (spontaneous loss of a pregnancy) is occurring. This requires alternative medical care.

This could also mean that the pregnancy is growing in another location, which is known as ectopic pregnancy. This is a life-threatening situation that requires emergency care.

Miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies are not treated by abortion. If your ultrasound determines your pregnancy is not viable, abortion is no longer an option to consider.

Gestational Age

It’s also important to know your gestational age (how far along you are), as you can’t take the abortion pill past 10 weeks of pregnancy.¹ Additionally, abortion laws vary across the United States. Your state may have abortion restrictions based on gestational age.

Click the button below to learn more about the abortion laws in your state.

*Important note: Please be aware that this article is not meant to substitute for medical advice or treatment. The purpose of a limited ultrasound exam is to identify a pregnancy inside the uterus, detect the fetal heartbeat, and estimate how far along you are. If there is no detectable heartbeat, it may indicate a miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy is occurring. If a heartbeat cannot be detected during your appointment, the staff will provide appropriate referrals for follow-up care and treatment.

2. Consult a Medical Professional

Before choosing abortion, speak to a qualified healthcare professional.

A doctor can assess your health for conditions that might complicate an abortion, such as ectopic pregnancy, drug allergies, blood disorders, an IUD, or other issues.² This consultation helps you avoid preventable abortion complications.

3. Get Tested for STIs

Before considering abortion, it’s critical to get tested for STIs.

Having an untreated STI (like chlamydia) during an abortion can increase the risk of complications like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), which may lead to infertility.³

Pregnancy Decision Line can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free STI testing and treatment, so you can protect your health. Call us at 866-406-9327 to get started.

4. Understand Your Abortion Options

To make an informed decision, you need to understand how abortions are performed. There are two methods:

• Abortion Pill: The abortion pill is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. This involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol to end the pregnancy.

• Surgical or In-Clinic Abortion: Performed in a clinic during the first and second trimesters, with techniques varying by gestational age and state laws.

If you decide that you are not comfortable with either procedure, you may want to consider other pregnancy options.

5. Understand Potential Side Effects, Risks, and Complications

A vital step in the decision-making process is learning about potential risks and side effects of abortion.

Abortion Pill Risks

After taking the abortion pill, vaginal bleeding or spotting lasts an average of 9-16 days, though it can last 30 days or longer in some cases.⁴

Other common side effects include⁴:

• Abdominal cramping
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea and digestive discomfort
• Chills or mild fever

Severe risks and complications to watch for:

• Hemorrhaging: Heavy bleeding can occur that requires immediate attention.⁵

• Incomplete abortion: The procedure doesn’t always work, or if it is incomplete, tissue may remain which can cause bleeding and infection requiring emergency surgery.⁶

• Infection: “Not feeling well” possibly with fever, nausea, or vomiting that persists 24 hours post-misoprostol could indicate an infection, potentially requiring antibiotics or surgery.⁴

• Viewing fetal remains: Depending on the age of the pregnancy, identifiable parts may be visible resulting in emotional distress.

Surgical Abortion Risks

Common side effects of surgical abortion include cramping, spotting, and bleeding. These can last up to two weeks, depending on the procedure. One study found that second-trimester abortions can be more painful than expected.⁷

Potential physical risks include:

• Uterine Perforation: An instrument may accidentally puncture the uterus, possibly needing surgical repair.⁸

• Asherman Syndrome: Scar tissue inside the uterus from repeated procedures can impact future fertility.⁹

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Bacteria introduced during surgery may cause infection in the reproductive tract, especially if there is an untreated STI present at the time of the procedure.³

Mental Health Risks

Additionally, some women report experiencing mental health struggles after abortion. Examples include:¹⁰¹¹

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal behaviors

If you’re thinking about suicide, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 right away.

6. Explore All Your Pregnancy Options

To make a fully informed decision, you need all the facts about parenting, adoption, and abortion.

Have questions? Not sure where to start? Pregnancy Decision Line can connect you with a local pregnancy center that can help you explore each of your options. Get the facts without the judgment. Call us at 866-406-9327 to get started.

Considering Abortion? Get the Facts at Pregnancy Decision Line.

Knowing what to do before choosing abortion can feel overwhelming, especially with so much information out there.

Pregnancy Decision Line can connect you with a local pregnancy center that provides free pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and pregnancy consultations. We’re here to help you make a safe and informed decision.

Ready to take the next step? Give us a call to get started.

Please be aware that Pregnancy Decision Line does not provide or refer for abortion services.