Are you in the process of choosing and OB/GYN? Check out these 8 questions that will help you get it...
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This is a complicated question because several factors affect an accurate answer for you. The short answer is YES, an abortion today can affect your future pregnancies. An option consultation can give you the information you need to understand the effect of abortion on future pregnancies. There are 3 things that affect this answer for you:
Just as there are risks with any medical intervention, induced termination of pregnancy carries risks to the woman. Depending on what type of abortion, how far along in the pregnancy you are, and how many you’ve elected, the chances for complications with your future pregnancies could increase. These factors matter when you are considering the effect of abortion on future pregnancies
Abortions carry the fewest complications when they happen early in pregnancy, but there are still risks. Complications increase when a pregnancy is farther along, regardless of the method of abortion.
Whether a person experiences complications and how severe those complications can be depends on the type of abortion received. The risks of medical abortion appear to be lower than those of surgical abortion, though this may be true only because medical abortions are more common during early pregnancy.
Unfortunately, there is a lack of accurate reporting in this area. Sometimes women are advised that it’s ok to not be honest about their medical abortion procedures should they experience abortion complications that require an ER visit.
Instead, they’re encouraged that it’s ok to tell the medical provider that they are having a miscarriage. While the medical treatment needs may be quite similar, the reporting related to ‘abortion complications’ goes unrecorded.
Regarding the effect of abortion on future pregnancies, women who have had two or more induced abortions are at increased risk of negative outcomes in their future pregnancies. These outcomes include: Preterm birth, low birth weight, other negative long-term medical and psychological outcomes, and a 50% increased risk of death from all causes associated with each abortion. As a result, multiple abortions are shown to be associated with reproductive disease and even death.
One study found a link between surgical termination of pregnancy and later pregnancy complications. These complications include preterm delivery, cervical insufficiency (a weak cervix that cannot hold a pregnancy), placental retention (pieces of the placenta are left in the uterus and cause further bleeding and/or infection), and heavy postpartum bleeding.
In rare cases, a surgical abortion can cause scarring of the uterine wall. This scarring, called Asherman syndrome, may make it more difficult for a person to get pregnant again, and may lead to pregnancy loss in the future.
So, when looking into an abortion decision, make sure you understand all that is involved – this is called ‘informed consent’. Part of informed consent is understanding the effect of abortion on future pregnancies.
A medical professional is obligated to explain to their patient the risks involved, what to expect, any complications that need to be medically evaluated, and the follow-up needs. This should be done in wording that the patient can understand, and time should be allowed for any questions that arise.
Women should know the health risks associated with induced termination of pregnancy, including the effect of abortion on future pregnancies. This is an important part of the law associated with any medical procedure.
Here at Alcove Health we take the time to discuss your pregnancy needs, your options, what support can be provided, and informed consent. We will take the time to listen and address all your concerns, including your questions about the effect of abortion on future pregnancies. A Registered Nurse can assess you for a same day ultrasound which will provide accurate information to you as you make your reproductive decisions.
We are a safe and confidential place for you to weigh your options with a healthy future in mind. Call or click here to schedule your free and confidential appointment today.
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