Abortions can be done with minimal risks early in the pregnancy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reports that about 1.3 million women in the United States have an abortion to end a pregnancy. A pregnant woman who is considering an abortion should carefully weigh her options and risks. Some of the potential side effects are physical, but there is the potential for emotional effects as well.
Cramping
Cramping is a common side effect of both medical and surgical abortion procedures. Most types of abortions use a drug that causes cramps as the fetus detaches from the uterus. This can be painful and rhythmic contractions can occur as the body attempts to expel the fetus. The American College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians explains that cramping can persist one or two days after most procedures.
Bleeding
Bleeding is a common side effect of all abortion procedures. Sometimes it can last up to two to four weeks following the procedure, according to the American Pregnancy Association. This can include light spotting to moderate bleeding like a menstrual period. Late-term abortions can cause more persistent, heavier bleeding. This type of bleeding should be reported to a medical care provider to rule out infection.
Digestive Symptoms
Vomiting, nausea and diarrhea are all common symptoms of most abortion procedures. This should only last for a few days but can last as long as two to four weeks, explains the American Pregnancy Association.
Serious Complications
Serious complications occur in less than one out of 100 first-trimester abortions and about one out of every 50 late-term abortions, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Such complications can include infection, cervical damage, uterine scarring, uterine perforation, other organ damage and death. Signs of these complications can include severe abdominal and back pain, heavy bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and symptoms of pregnancy.
Emotional Side Effects
The American Pregnancy Association suggests that emotional and psychological effects are more common than the physical effects of an abortion. The effects can range from mild to serious, depending on the woman. The severity of the effects can be dependent on what led the woman to make the decision to terminate her pregnancy. Some of the potential side effects include regret, anger, guilt, shame, loneliness, nightmares, eating disorders, anxiety and depression. Women who undergo a later-term abortion may suffer from something similar to postpartum depression, due to the sudden decline in pregnancy hormones following the loss of the baby.
