When facing an unexpected pregnancy, the pressure to gather information quickly can feel overwhelming. Understanding what abortion procedures actually involve is an important part of making a decision that is right for you and your health.
Ridgeway Women’s Clinic offers confidential pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and options consultations at no cost. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you understand your options clearly.
Schedule an appointment today.
Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
Medical abortion is an FDA-approved two-drug regimen used through 10 weeks of gestation. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone that sustains early pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and related tissue through cramping and vaginal bleeding.
The physical experience can be intense. Cramping is often significantly stronger than a typical menstrual period, and passing clots is common. Additional side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, or headache.
Potential risks include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, and incomplete abortion, where tissue remains in the uterus and requires additional medical treatment. Access to follow-up care and emergency services is an important part of safety with this method.
Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion is an in-clinic procedure in which a provider uses suction or instruments to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. The most common methods include vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage (D&C), and dilation and evacuation (D&E). All involve dilating the cervix and are performed under local anesthesia or sedation.
Following the procedure, light bleeding and mild cramping for several days are typical. Potential risks include infection, heavy bleeding, cervical or uterine injury, and scar tissue formation inside the uterus.
Why a Limited Ultrasound Is an Important First Step
Before any pregnancy-related decision is made, an ultrasound provides essential information. It confirms gestational age, which determines what options are medically available, checks whether the pregnancy is viable or whether a miscarriage has occurred, and identifies the location of the pregnancy to help rule out an ectopic pregnancy, which cannot be treated with the abortion pill and requires prompt medical attention.
We Are Here to Help
You deserve accurate information and a space to ask questions without pressure. Ridgeway Women’s Clinic provides no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds, and we will walk through your options together so you feel informed before making any decision.
Schedule a confidential appointment at Ridgeway Women’s Clinic today.
Ridgeway Women’s Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
