There are two main types of abortion: medical and surgical. Both run the risk of the abortion being incomplete, which is when fetal or placental tissue remains in the uterus and potentially leads to an infection.

Medical Abortion

A medical abortion is carried out by taking two drugs. The first drug, mifepristone, is usually taken in a provider’s office or clinic, and misoprostol is taken at home hours or days later.

Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone necessary for fetal growth. Misoprostol causes cramping, which expels the embryo/fetus and pregnancy tissue from the uterus.

Occasionally, the uterus retains some of the fetal or placental tissue. This can cause heavy vaginal bleeding that may need to be treated with a surgical procedure.

Infection can also occur. Signs of an infection would include a fever that lasts more than 24 hours and a foul-smelling odor or discharge coming from the vagina.

Surgical Abortion

When a pregnancy goes beyond nine weeks, a surgical abortion is considered a safer option than a medical abortion. A common type of surgical abortion is a dilation and curettage abortion.

In this abortion procedure, the cervix is dilated, and an abortion provider uses a spoon-shaped surgical instrument with a suction device or a sharp edge called a curette to remove the pregnancy and related tissue.

An incomplete abortion can occur if the abortion provider fails to remove all the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. Signs of an incomplete surgical abortion are similar to a medical abortion. If fetal or placental tissue remains, there can be heavy bleeding and infection.

Bella Women’s Center Can Help

At Bella’s Women’s Center, our experienced medical team can provide you with a professional-grade pregnancy test along with an ultrasound. We will also give you information on all your options.

An unexpected pregnancy can cause all types of emotions. Our loving staff can give you the clarity to move forward in your journey.

Make an appointment today!