Abortion risks

Having an abortion comes with risks and the potential for short-term and long-term side effects. Some abortion clinics in Albuquerque may not share all the details you need to know when considering an abortion. At Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque, we make sure you have all the facts about abortion so you can make an informed decision.

Before you have an elective procedure like abortion, it’s important to understand all the risks involved. Your body and your future health can be impacted by the choice to have an abortion. In this article, we explore what you can expect and what the latest research says about the safety of abortions.

Common side effects of abortion

While abortions are mostly safe when performed by a medical practitioner at a reputable abortion clinic in New Mexico, there are some common side effects most women can have after the procedure. Here are some of the aftereffects you might experience.

Bleeding and cramping

Most women experience bleeding and cramping after an abortion. If you are early enough in your pregnancy to have a chemical abortion (before 10 weeks), the second dose of the abortion pill you receive causes you to bleed to expel the embryo. Women who are further along and require a surgical abortion procedure through abortion clinics in Albuquerque may or may not bleed afterward.

How much you bleed or cramp depends on several factors, including your activity level. It’s also normal to have some small blood clots if you do bleed. They may appear red or dark purple. Never use tampons after an abortion to control bleeding to prevent the risk of complications.

If you bleed heavy enough to soak more than two pads in two hours, call your healthcare provider immediately.

Dizziness

Becoming dizzy can be somewhat normal after an abortion, especially if you are bleeding. Some women notice it happens when they are active, such as working out. However, if you become so dizzy you feel like you may pass out, or the dizzy spells last more than a week after an abortion, it’s important to call your doctor right away. Dizziness after an abortion can be a sign of excessive blood loss.

Fatigue

It’s not uncommon to find yourself incredibly fatigued after an abortion. Whether you have a chemical or surgical procedure, it can take an emotional toll on you. Fatigue is your body’s way of coping.

However, if you find yourself unable to stay awake, and you also are bleeding heavily, you should contact your doctor right away. Extreme drowsiness can be a sign of excessive blood loss.

Stomach upset

Women who have a chemical abortion can find themselves nauseous from the two-dose medication. Having a surgical abortion also can prompt stomach upset and even diarrhea. Digestive issues shouldn’t last more than a few days after an abortion. If they persist, you should contact your doctor for a follow-up exam.

Abortion clinics in New Mexico should go over the short-term and long-term risks of abortion.

Possible complications from an abortion

Abortion risks include complications from the procedure. Abortion clinics in Albuquerque should explain all the short-term and long-term effects on your body (and mind) after having an abortion. Not all do. The caring staff at Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque makes sure you have all the facts about abortion – including complications – so you can make an informed decision.

Some of the lasting effects of abortion include:

  • Damage to the cervix or womb.
  • Excessive bleeding.
  • Incomplete abortion (requiring a second surgical abortion).
  • Infection of the fallopian tubes or uterus.
  • Scarring of the inside of the uterus.
  • Sepsis or septic shock.
  • Uterine perforation.

While rare, women can die from an abortion. The number of abortion-related deaths in the U.S. has dropped significantly since 1973.

Future health risks from abortion

Another piece of information some abortion clinics in New Mexico fail to share with women is any future health risks from abortion they may experience. Pre-term deliveries of future pregnancies are one of the biggest risks of abortion because abortion weakens the cervix. After two or more abortions, your risk of preterm birth increases by 51 to 62 percent.

Other future health risks include:

  • Complications during or after an abortion can increase your risk of infertility.
  • Development of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and increased risk for STD/STIs.
  • Higher risk for sexual dysfunction, including decreased sexual desire, loss of orgasm, and painful intercourse.

You also may struggle with depression or another mental health issue after having an abortion. Care Net Pregnancy Centers of Albuquerque provides after-abortion care options if you need help coping with your emotional and physical reactions to abortion.

Choosing the right path for your pregnancy

Deciding what to do about your pregnancy can be scary. That’s why we’re here to help. Our caring and supportive team never judges you. We only offer complete facts about all your pregnancy options so you can make the choice that’s right for you.

Before you schedule an appointment with an abortion clinic in New Mexico, come see us for the education and support needed for whatever lies ahead.