Perhaps, have you just had that moment – tight-chested and overwhelmed staring at the pregnancy test? Not exactly what you were expecting? If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and are not ready to be a parent or there are other limiting circumstances, you may be thinking to get an abortion, as do a lot of people. If this is you, it is important to be aware of all the information beforehand so you can make a decision that will be the best for you.
Things you should consider
Take some time and think it through. It is important after getting a positive pregnancy test to make an informed decision and not a rushed decision.
Before you seek abortion services, it is smart to make sure if you are actually pregnant and in what stage of pregnancy. You should take a medical-quality urine pregnancy test to confirm pregnancy even if you get a positive in-home pregnancy test and are experiencing common pregnancy symptoms. Next, having an ultrasound is the most accurate way of calculating gestational age (how far along you are), which will have an impact on the type of abortion suited for your situation.
There are several chemical abortion procedures that can be conducted 10 weeks after your last period. If ten weeks have passed, you may require a surgical abortion.
The abortion pill
If you want an abortion within the 10 weeks following your last menstrual period, this is the most common technique. It involves Mifepristone, a two-dose drug or RU-486 also called the Abortion Pill. RU-486 stops the production of progesterone, the hormone which is required to support the pregnancy. Whereas, Mifepristone terminates pregnancy by causing the uterus lining to shed and then the second dose, Misoprostol, causes the embryo to pass by causing contraction of the uterus. This requires at least two to three trips to the doctor in a period of about two weeks. However, the abortion pill does not work for a small percentage of women and they may need to get a surgical abortion.
Plan B
This over-the-counter emergency contraceptive is supposed to be taken within 48 hours of unprotected sex. It may help avoid pregnancy. Sperm can live inside your body for up to six to seven days, making it possible to get pregnant days after having sex. Plan B is a large dose of birth control medication and can work in 3 ways:
- Preventing the egg from being released (ovulation)
- Preventing the sperm from fertilizing the egg (fertilization)
- Preventing an embryo (fertilized egg) from implanting in the uterus (implantation) by cutting off nourishment to the embryo. In this way, Plan B acts as an abortifacient (producing an abortion). (1)
Consider potential risks
As with any medical procedure there are possible side effects. The most common include cramping, heavy bleeding, pain, headache, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting. RU-486 can, very rarely, lead to severe and occasionally lethal bleeding and infections.
For this reason, it is essential to consult a medical professional regarding the side effects associated with abortion. If you are considering abortion assistance, consider a visit to Gateway for the abortion facts before you visit the abortion clinic. The advantage in coming to Gateway Women’s Care first is that you will receive the required pre-abortion services for free, rather than being charged for them. Gateway does not profit in any way from your decision. Find out your rights as an abortion patient in a warm and sensitive environment; know what questions to ask at the clinic; know what to expect from the procedure options; and more. Our ultrasounds are always free of charge regardless of your choice.
You won’t be rushed. We know this is a hard decision.
