Deciding how to handle an unintended pregnancy is overwhelming. Not only are you thinking about today, but you’re looking down the road to your future. The good news is you have options.
If you’re considering abortion, knowing what you qualify for, how the various methods work, and what you need to do beforehand is essential. The licensed medical staff at You Medical can help you get the information you need.
If you need to speak with someone immediately, call us at 509-491-1101. We’re here for you.
Have You Had an Ultrasound?
You may think an ultrasound before an abortion is a waste of time, but actually, it’s a crucial step in getting the necessary information about your pregnancy. A limited diagnostic OB ultrasound helps determine the following:
If Your Pregnancy is Viable
Believe it or not, a positive pregnancy test and a late period may not be enough information to determine if you are pregnant. A viable pregnancy means it is developing with a detectable heartbeat.
Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. You can still get a positive pregnancy test result after a miscarriage because it takes time for your body to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels.
Determines How Far Along You Are
The FDA approves a medical abortion (the abortion pill method) through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The further along you are, the less effective the abortion drugs are. You may need to have a surgical procedure.
Rules Out an Ectopic Pregnancy
Although rare, some pregnancies form outside the uterus. This type of pregnancy is called ectopic. Only the uterus can safely hold a growing pregnancy. It can be extremely dangerous if it grows outside the uterus, even life-threatening. Abortion drugs do not end an ectopic pregnancy.
Both Medical and Surgical Abortions Have Potential Risks
Physical Risks
The Mayo Clinic lists the following as risks of a medical abortion:
- The body does not release all the pregnancy tissue in the uterus (also known as an incomplete abortion)
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
They list the following as potential risks for a surgical procedure:
- Perforation of the uterus (a surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus)
- Damage to the cervix
- Scar tissue on the uterine wall
- Infection
Emotional Risks
Research has shown that some women suffer mental health complications as a direct result of their abortion experience. These women may experience a sense of loss, grief, anxiety, and depression within weeks, months, or even years after their abortions.
Not every woman will experience these complications, but knowing the possibilities is important before making a decision.
How Can You Medical Help Me?
Although we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can provide medically based facts about abortion procedures. Our licensed medical staff can also verify your pregnancy with a limited diagnostic OB ultrasound at no cost.
Your next step is to schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment at You Medical. If you can’t come to our office, call 509-491-1101 to ask about our mobile medical unit’s location and schedule.
You don’t have to make this decision alone. Schedule your free appointment today.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
