If you are pregnant and considering abortion, you may be trying to learn all you can about the procedure and what happens after an abortion.

An abortion procedure does have known risks and side effects; understanding these risks and knowing what to be aware of can help you make the best decisions to protect your health and future.

Keep reading to learn more about post-abortive recovery and how to find the help and details you need as you navigate an unplanned pregnancy.

Physical Impact After Abortion

Each woman’s body is different, and predicting how you may react to an abortion can be difficult.

Your reaction may also differ according to what type of abortion you have.

Medical abortion uses a series of drugs to terminate a pregnancy. In contrast, a surgical abortion is an invasive procedure that involves inserting medical tools and devices into your uterus through the birth canal to remove the pregnancy

There are known side effects that are common after any type of abortion, including cramping and mild bleeding.

However, there are also more serious risks that you can develop and may require follow-up medical intervention.

After a medical abortion, these risks can include:

Incomplete abortion, which may require a follow-up surgical abortion
Ongoing pregnancy
Infection
Fever
Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea

For a surgical abortion, the primary risks post-procedure are:

Perforation of the uterus with a surgical instrument
Tearing of the cervix
Development of scar tissue inside the uterus, which can lead to infertility
Infection

It’s important to monitor your health after an abortion and pay attention to potential warning signs that you are having medical complications.

These warning signs can include:

Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
A persistent fever
Heavy bleeding that requires you to change pads frequently throughout the day
Worsening pain
Chills and body aches

Mental Impact After Abortion

In recent years, more has become known regarding the mental health risks after an abortion.

Feelings of sadness and grief after an abortion are not unusual, but studies have shown that post-abortive women are at risk for more serious mental health issues.

These mental health issues can include:

Depression disorders
Eating disorders
Anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Suicidal behaviors
Substance abuse

Getting the Help You Need

If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and trying to consider your options, we are here to help.

Life Light Pregnancy Help Center offers free pregnancy test confirmation. We can also provide a referral for you to receive a free ultrasound scan of your pregnancy, giving you valuable details you’ll need as you weigh your options.

Our team can also answer all your questions and discuss your options with you, providing the facts you need to make the best decision for your health and future.