If you’re considering an abortion, or just had an abortion, it’s important to know all you can about the side effects to be aware of for your health and safety.
What is an Abortion?
To understand what can happen to your body after an abortion, it’s useful to have a simple understanding of abortion and what is involved in the procedure.
There are two types of abortion, medical and surgical.
In a medical abortion, a series of pills is used to end your pregnancy. These pills are used first to cause the pregnancy to detach from your uterus and then to cause your body to expel the pregnancy and associated tissues through your vagina.
As the name suggests, a surgical abortion is a serious medical procedure. During a surgical abortion, local anesthesia is first given to you to numb any pain and discomfort you may feel.
Then, the medical provider dilates your cervix and uses various medical devices to remove the pregnancy from your uterus.
What Happens After an Abortion?
There are known side effects you may encounter after an abortion procedure.These include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Vaginal bleeding
- Headache
- Diarrhea
These side effects can be either mild or severe, depending on various factors like the type of abortion you had as well as how your own body reacts.
There are some side effects, though, that can be indicators that you are dealing with post-abortive complications and need additional medical attention.
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of complications that could be putting your health at risk include:
- Fever
- Cramps lasting more than 48 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Lasting dizziness or lightheadedness
- Bleeding that is heavy enough that pads need to be changed every hour for more than two hours
- Pain that worsens instead of improving
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, or feel that something is wrong after your abortion, then it is very important to contact your medical provider right away. If your medical provider is not available, then call 911 or go to a local emergency room immediately.
In addition to the physical side effects of abortion, we are learning more about the mental health impact of abortion. Mental health issues after an abortion can include, but are not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance use disorder
- Eating disorders
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Seeking the help of a trusted health professional is important if you believe you are struggling with emotional and mental side effects after an abortion.
Who Can I Talk to?
For the sake of your health, if you are considering an abortion, it’s very important to understand all your options as well as any potential risks.
The team at Pregnancy Center West is here to help. Our experienced staff can answer all your questions, listen to your concerns, and provide free tests that will give valuable information about your pregnancy.
Getting all the facts you need will empower you to make the best decision for your health and future.
Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.
