Earlier, we discussed how abortion affects different women emotionally. You can read “How Can I Recover Emotionally From an Abortion” and “How Will Abortion Affect Me Mentally” for more information. Now, let’s take a closer look at how abortion might affect you physically. 

Like the mental health effects, women have different physical responses to their abortions. Although most abortions involve bleeding and cramping, knowing what to expect is vital.

The following are some physical side effects and risks you might experience with an abortion.

The Physical Side Effects of The Abortion Pill

The abortion pill method is also known as a medical or chemical abortion because you take drugs to terminate a pregnancy. Depending on how your body responds to the drugs, you may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Upset stomach.
• Vomiting.
• Fever.
• Chills.
• Diarrhea.
• Headache.

Physical Risks

According to the Mayo Clinic, the following are some of the physical risks you want to be aware of:

• An incomplete abortion (when the body doesn’t release all of the pregnancy tissue).
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
• Infection.
• Fever.
• Digestive symptoms.

It’s crucial to know the side effects and risks, especially when using the abortion pill, because you perform the procedure at home without physician oversight. You need to know how much bleeding or pain is too much.

The Physical Side Effects of Surgical Abortion

Surgical procedures vary from suction or vacuum aspiration to the use of scraping tools or forceps, depending on how far along you are in your pregnancy. The side effects include bleeding and cramping. It’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to the local or general anesthesia used.

Physical Risks

According to the Cleveland Clinic, some of the physical risks of a surgical procedure include the following: 

• Uterine perforation (a hole is poked in your uterus with a surgical tool).
• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Scar tissue.

What Will Happen to Me?

Having an abortion is a big decision with potential physical and mental complications. No one can predict how your body will respond to an abortion. 

Get the facts about procedures before you decide. Although we do not perform or refer for abortions, we can give you factual details. 

We also provide no-cost, confidential services like pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and other resources. Make an appointment today to discuss your situation. We’re here for you.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.