It can be challenging to stay calm and make decisions based on facts when you feel panicked after finding out you are pregnant. You may feel entirely out of control and search for anything to help you regain your sense of normalcy and get your life back on track. However, understanding your options during this time can help you feel centered and empowered, leading you to make more confident decisions.
Abortion is not a quick fix. It is a serious medical procedure that should be carefully considered and weighed against your other options.
Understand the Physical Risks
Like every medical procedure, abortion has risks associated with the process. Whether you are eligible for a medical abortion or require a surgical abortion, you should be aware of these risks to prioritize your health.
Risks of medical abortion can include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Risks of surgical abortion can include:
- Uterine perforation (a hole poked through your uterus), which may happen if the tip of a surgical instrument passes through the uterine wall
- Uterine infection
- Uterine bleeding
- Asherman’s syndrome (a build-up of scar tissue that can cause the uterine walls to stick together; this can cause period changes and infertility)
Understand the Mental Health Risks
Many women weigh the physical risks of abortion before they choose to terminate their pregnancy, but often neglect to understand the mental health implications. While some women experience abortion with no change to their mental health, others develop feelings of sadness, loss, regret, shame, guilt, or anger.
Some women are also at an increased risk for developing mental health disorders like:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance use disorder
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
No one can predict how an individual woman will respond mentally to experiencing abortion. However, some women are at an increased risk of developing mental health complications due to certain factors, including:
- Feeling pressure to abort because they think they have no other choices or from actual pressure from their partner or family
- Having social or religious values that oppose abortion
- Having a history of mental health disorders
- Wanting to be a mother
Find Out More
Contact the Caring for Women Pregnancy Center today to schedule a free and confidential appointment. You will find a safe, supportive environment to learn about your options and decide without pressure.
This blog is for informational purposes only. This facility is not a licensed medical facility. We do not offer, recommend, or refer for abortions or abortifacients; therefore, we receive no financial gain from your decision. We are committed to provide accurate information about pregnancy options, abortion procedure risks and alternatives, and after abortion care.