Abortion Risks
& Side Effects
Abortion Risks
& Side Effects
Before you have any abortion procedure it’s important to know the potential impacts it could have on your body and future health. Risks and side effects vary by the type of procedure and how far along you are.
- Sustained fever, severe abdominal pain, prolonged heavy bleeding, or fainting
- Abdominal pain or discomfort, or general malaise (“feeling sick,” including weakness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, with or without fever)
In-Clinic Surgical Abortion Risks Include:
- Heavy bleeding
- Incomplete abortion
- Infection
- Organ damage
- Emboli (blood clot, air bubble, fatty deposit, or other object which has been carried in the bloodstream to lodge in a vessel or in the lung)
- Anesthesia complications
- Rh sensitization
- In extreme cases, death.
The later term abortions carry the highest risks. A medical professional is available to discuss with you in further detail these procedures and potential short and long-term risks.
What Are The Potential Future Risks?
There is evidence of emotional, relational and even spiritual risks following an abortion procedure. Most women say they initially felt relief and looked forward to their lives returning to normal. But some women report negative emotions after abortion, that linger, unresolved. For others, problems related to their abortion emerge months or even years later.
After abortion, most women are able to become pregnant again. However, abortion may increase the risk of complications that can impact future pregnancies and the health of future children. Below are a few of the potential risks on future pregnancies and children:
- Pre-Term Birth
- Low Birth Weight
- Placenta Previa
To learn more about emotional risks after abortion, check out our After Abortion Care page, or make an appointment to talk with someone at Heartbeats about your options.
Abortion Safety Checklist:
If you are considering abortion, take the time to go through our checklist:
1. Confirm Your Pregnancy
Did you know that a pregnancy test alone does not medically confirm your pregnancy? Medical confirmation can be provided with an ultrasound. An ultrasound shows how far along you are, which impacts your abortion options.
2. Get Tested and Treated for STI/STDs
If you have an abortion with an untreated STI/STD, you are at increased risk for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) which can result in future infertility or chronic pain. Seek testing and treatment to ensure your health.
3. Consider the Alternatives
4. Pause and Ask
When faced with such an important decision, it is beneficial to pause and be able to address your concerns. No matter what you choose for your unexpected pregnancy, we encourage you to visit Heartbeats and get answers to your questions so you can be confident in the decision you make.
Abortion Reversal
If you have taken the first dose of the abortion pill and are experiencing doubts about your abortion, it may be possible to reverse your abortion. Every hour since your first dose of the abortion pill matters, so it’s important to call the Abortion Reversal Hotline at 877-558-0333 or an OB provider as soon as possible.
*We do not refer for or perform abortions.
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Heartbeats
336 E. Main St. Newark, OH 43055
2447 Maple Ave. Zanesville, OH 43701
Are you considering abortion?
Are you unsure of your options? Heartbeats specializes in helping you through your pregnancy journey.
Are you considering abortion?
Are you unsure of your options? Heartbeats specializes in helping you through your pregnancy journey.