Thinking about abortion? Consider the risks and procedures involved: Be informed

Abortion should be a very informed and calculated decision. Pregnancy brings with it many biological and psychological changes in a woman. It’s not just a simple medical procedure but there is a lot more you need to know about pregnancy and abortion. Consequences can be emotional, physical as well as spiritual. Many women face post abortion mental stress.

Abortion should be very informed decision and you should know all about the procedures and risks involved. Here we will provide a glimpse of what all information you should have.

The Risks Involved

Abortion has many risks associated with it. The side effects can be there whether you choose abortion by pills or surgery. Symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, cramping, nausea and vomiting are common but there are many other significant risks involved like bleeding, organ damage and infection. Major risks which can occur are listed below.

Heavy Bleeding

Bleeding is common in abortion but if during the procedure your uterus gets punctured or cervix is torn then there can be excessive bleeding called hemorrhaging. This treatment may require blood transfusion which further raises the risk.

Infection

Due to use of medical instruments which are not sterilized properly during abortion there can be infections. Another reason for infection can be leftover fetal parts due to incomplete abortion. Infections can result into persisting fever and pelvic organs’ scarring.

Anesthesia

Anesthesia which is given during abortion also involves complications which can result into heart attack, convulsions and in extreme cases even death. Also other complications can also be there due to anesthesia.

Cervix damage, uterine lining scarring, perforation of the uterus and damage to internal organs are some other risks involved with abortion.

You have to consider all these abortion risks before going for it. Emotional and psychological changes are also seen as post abortion symptoms in women. Eating disorders, problems in relationship, depression, guilt and suicidal thoughts are some of them.

Abortion Procedures

Although abortion has its risks involved but in some cases it becomes necessary. For such situations you should be aware of the common abortion procedures.

Manual Vacuum Aspiration

It is a surgical abortion procedure which is carried out early in pregnancy until 7 weeks from last menstrual period. The procedure involves insertion of a thin tube in woman’s uterus. Using the tube the embryo is sucked out.

Suction Curettage

The most common abortion procedure of all Suction Curettage is done between 6 to 14 weeks after last menstrual period. As baby has grown doctor has to stretch the cervix using iron rod which can be painful and requires anesthesia. Using a tube and suction machine doctor sucks out body parts of the fetus.

Dilation and Evacuation

Done between 13 and 24 weeks after last menstrual period, D&E procedure involves surgical removal of fetus using forceps. At this stage the fetus is too large to be sucked out.

Use of abortion pills known as RU486 and Mifepristone are also used for abortion but the risk involved is equally high as from surgical procedures.

24 Week Abortion Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including abortions, physical examinations, family planning and counseling. Late Term Abortion Clinic.

Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women. http://www.womenscenter.com/