Considering Abortion?
If abortion is something you are weighing, having complete and accurate information is an essential first step. The type of procedure available to you depends on how far along you are, the location of your pregnancy, and your health history.
Getting those details verified before making any decision protects your health and gives you a clearer picture of what to expect.
Coast Pregnancy Clinic provides no-cost, confidential appointments where you can receive factual information on abortion procedures, potential risks, and side effects.
We do not perform or refer for abortions, but we are here to make sure you have what you need to make an informed decision.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion, commonly called the abortion pill, involves two drugs typically taken at separate times.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone essential for sustaining a pregnancy. Without it, the uterine lining breaks down, and the pregnancy ends. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy at home.
This process involves abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which some women report as more significant than they expected.
Common side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Headache
Possible risks include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion requiring follow-up care
- Ongoing pregnancy
- Digestive discomfort
Medical abortion is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of gestation. Confirming gestational age by ultrasound before use is essential.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital. The procedure typically involves dilating the cervix and using suction and medical instruments to remove the pregnancy. The method used depends on gestational age.
Common side effects may include:
- Abdominal cramping
- Mild vaginal bleeding or spotting
Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Cervical damage
- Uterine perforation
- Scar tissue formation that may affect future fertility (Asherman’s syndrome)
- Incomplete abortion
Why an Ultrasound Should Come First
Before scheduling any abortion procedure, a limited OB ultrasound is a necessary step. It verifies how far along you are, confirms the pregnancy is in the uterus, and checks for viability, all of which directly affect your safety and your available options.
Following a positive pregnancy test at our clinic, you should be eligible for a no-cost limited OB ultrasound performed by licensed medical staff.
To request your no-cost, confidential appointment, contact us today.
