If you think you may be pregnant, fear is probably making your head spin. You may feel alone during this time. You may even feel conflicted, not knowing what your next steps are.
Our staff understands. At Ridgeway Women’s Clinic, we are here to walk with you, and to help you navigate your unique situation.
When you verify that you are pregnant, you then have to consider your pregnancy options. Abortion is one of your three pregnancy options, and it’s vital that you understand all of the information associated with any major medical decision. This article will share accurate information about what you need before proceeding with an abortion decision, and what the risks are.
Two Types of Abortion: Surgical vs. Medication
There are two types of abortion: surgical and medical. The stage of pregnancy you’re currently in will determine which procedure you are eligible for.
A surgical abortion terminates a pregnancy by using surgical instruments to extract the fetus from the uterus. Women who are over ten weeks into their pregnancy are eligible for this procedure. Typically, surgical abortions require anesthesia and close medical monitoring. A few of the risks associated with surgical abortion include excessive bleeding, damage to the womb or cervix, scarring of the uterus, and infection.
A Medication abortion, colloquially known as the abortion pill, terminates pregnancy through two different drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol. Mifepristone first blocks the womb from absorbing progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin. This will stop the embryo or fetus from implanting or growing. The second drug, Misoprostol, expels the embryo or fetus through the vagina by causing the uterus to contract.
Medication abortion is strictly available for women who are less than ten weeks pregnant. Some of the risks associated with medication abortion include incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, infection, and fever.
Prior to making an this decision, it is best to verify your pregnancy and how far along you are through lab-quality pregnancy testing and an ultrasound scan.
1. Get a Lab-Quality Pregnancy Test
Prior to making an abortion appointment, your pregnancy should be confirmed through a lab-quality pregnancy test. This will confirm the results of your at-home pregnancy test to ensure an accurate result. To get a free, lab-quality test, schedule an appointment with Ridgeway Women’s Clinic today. Our team can help you get the clarity you need.
2. Verify Your Pregnancy with an Ultrasound Scan
If your pregnancy test is positive, the next step is to learn more about your pregnancy through an ultrasound scan. An ultrasound reveals three vital pregnancy details, including:
- Pregnancy Viability (checking that the pregnancy is progressing)
- Pregnancy Location (checking for an ectopic pregnancy)
- Pregnancy Age (checking how far along you are)
At your appointment we offer a free ultrasound to check for these three vital details.
3. Understand Your Pregnancy Options Before Abortion
Prior to an abortion procedure, you will need evidence of a confirmed pregnancy through pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. Once you are medically certain that you and your fetus are healthy, it’s time to begin thinking about your pregnancy options: abortion, adoption, and parenting. If you’d like to learn more about any of your pregnancy options, contact us today. We are here to help you make the best pregnancy decision for your future.
