When an unexpected pregnancy leads you to consider abortion, it can be hard to know where to start or what’s necessary. However, before making a decision, you can take three essential steps to ensure your health and safety.

Identifying the signs of complications from an incomplete abortion is crucial to preventing further issues. You must proactively seek medical attention at the first indication that something isn’t right. Explore the warning signs of an incomplete abortion below. If you have any questions or concerns, consider scheduling a no-cost appointment with one of our licensed medical professionals today. If you experience any of the symptoms listed below after an abortion, please contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care immediately. What is an Incomplete Abortion? An incomplete abortion, also known as " retained products of conception " (RPOC), occurs when fetal or placental tissue remains in the uterus after an elective abortion or miscarriage. If not properly treated, this condition can result in serious complications, including severe infection and heavy bleeding. It’s essential to monitor your health closely and seek medical care if you notice any warning signs of an incomplete abortion. What To Look For Vaginal bleeding is the most common sign of an incomplete abortion. Heavy bleeding or blood clots after pregnancy could indicate a problem. Heavy bleeding can be described as soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row. Other symptoms to be aware of include: Fever. Hypomenorrhea (light or infrequent menstrual periods). Infection. Pelvic pain. What To Do If you suspect an incomplete abortion, it's vital to seek immediate medical attention. A healthcare provider will conduct tests to confirm the diagnosis, often including a transvaginal ultrasound. Treatment options for an incomplete abortion may include medication or surgery. Your health is the top priority, and it's essential to trust your instincts. If you experience any concerning symptoms, don't hesitate to visit your local emergency room. Free Pregnancy Services If you’re dealing with an unexpected pregnancy, you can find many resources at Collage. We provide no-cost pregnancy services to help you feel equipped to navigate your situation. We offer free lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and STD testing and treatment so you can protect your health and get critical details about your pregnancy. Make a free appointment to talk with one of our team today.

When considering an abortion, it's essential to acknowledge both your physical and mental health. While you may already be familiar with the physical risks of abortion, understanding the mental health effects is equally important. An abortion can bring a range of emotions , from relief to guilt, loss, and sadness, and it's crucial to recognize and address these feelings. Every woman's experience is unique, and the emotional impact can vary widely. Acknowledging your mental health is an essential step in caring for yourself during this time. We’ill explore the potential mental health effects of abortion and provide resources to help you manage your emotional well-being. Feeling Pressure A study by the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons reported that 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least subtly pressured into getting one. Of these women, many reported negative mental health outcomes afterward, including feelings of: Worthlessness Being unworthy of love Low self-esteem Anxiety Shame Guilt Regret Self-hatred What this means is feeling pressured to make your decision is one of the most significant risk factors for experiencing negative mental health outcomes. You can prioritize your health by making sure this decision is yours. Other Risk Factors Another thing to look out for when you’re considering abortion is any risk factors that would make you susceptible to mental health issues. Some of these pre-existing factors that can contribute to an issue after an abortion include: Having a history of prior mental illness Having moral or religious beliefs that conflict with abortion Having a maternal desire to have children now or in the future Mental Health Risks Study findings also show abortion is associated with higher rates of various mental health issues, including: Anxiety Depression Substance use Traumatic symptoms Sleep disorders Get Support You don’t have to go through an unexpected pregnancy alone. Collage provides free pregnancy services such as pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, and more to help you feel equipped. We also offer after-abortion support for women who’ve undergone an abortion procedure. You can find healing and support through us. Reach out to us to request a no-cost and confidential appointment today. *All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

We understand the decision concerning abortion is complex and personal. Knowing the different types of abortion procedures is essential for making informed decisions about your health. In this blog, we'll cover the various methods available to help you gather information about your situation. Learning about these procedures can help you better protect your health and make the right choice for you. Medical Abortion A medical abortion is the process of using drugs to end a pregnancy. Commonly referred to as the “abortion pill,” a medical abortion actually uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone. 24-48 hours later, you would then take misoprostol to cause uterine contractions and expel the pregnancy from the vagina. Medical abortion is only FDA-approved through ten weeks gestation (how far along you are). These drugs are typically prescribed at a clinic and taken at home. If you have a medical abortion, you will have vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. You may also experience fever, chills, headache, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. The risks of medical abortion include: Infection Digestive system discomfort Heavy, prolonged bleeding Fever An ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure fails) An incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion) Surgical Abortion A surgical abortion uses a combination of drugs, medical instruments, suction/vacuuming, or forceps to remove a pregnancy from the uterus. Surgical abortions are performed in a clinic setting or hospital later in pregnancy. You will likely spend a few hours afterward in a recovery room to check for excessive bleeding and complications. The risks of a surgical abortion include: Infection Damage to the cervix Scar tissue on the uterine wall (which can lead to absent, painful periods or future infertility) Perforation of the uterus Before Seeking An Abortion It’s crucial to get informed not only about the risks abortion can pose to your health but also detailed information about your pregnancy and status. There are a variety of circumstances where you might not be eligible for an abortion. At Collage, we offer free and confidential pregnancy services, such as lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited OB ultrasounds, because we believe you deserve to have access to the information you need to protect your health. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you. Make an appointment today.

While not in every case, abortion can lead to various mental health challenges, including anxiety, guilt, and depression for some women. Coping with your emotions after an abortion can be extremely difficult, and many women seek healing and peace after their abortion experience. If you’re considering an abortion, it's essential to understand the potential emotional risks and how they might impact your daily life. If you’ve already had an abortion and are struggling, know that you’re not alone. Seeking the support you need is crucial in overcoming these challenges and finding a path to recovery. Knowing The Risks The Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons reported that nearly 75% of women who had an abortion felt at least subtly pressured into the decision. Feeling pressured is a significant risk factor for experiencing negative mental health issues. Many of the women studied experienced psychological effects afterward, including: Depression Anxiety Shame Guilt Feelings of worthlessness Self-destructive behaviors These are just some of the potential adverse mental health outcomes that can happen post-abortion. However, every woman’s experience and reaction is different. Find Support Collage offers after-abortion support designed to help you on your path to healing. By taking advantage of Collage's support programs, you can find the understanding and compassion needed to navigate this difficult time and work towards a place of peace and recovery. Whether you’re dealing with the effects of an abortion experience or have just discovered you are unexpectedly pregnant, know that there’s hope. You don’t have to do this alone. Collage offers free pregnancy testing, limited OB ultrasounds, STD testing and treatment, and after-abortion support. We’re here to help you understand your options and get the services you need when facing pregnancy. Contact us today for confidential support in a safe and nonjudgmental environment.

If you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you may have been reviewing your options and ruled out parenting as a choice. There are still two paths you can take: abortion and adoption. It’s essential to understand each one to safeguard your health and well-being. This is a big decision; you don’t have to make it alone. Talk with us at Collage. We can help you get informed so you can make a confident choice about your pregnancy. What You Need To Know About Abortion Abortion is the process of terminating a viable pregnancy. In all of its forms, it’s a serious medical procedure and comes with physical risks to your health that you should be aware of. There are two types of abortions: medical and surgical. Medical abortion uses drugs to end a pregnancy. It’s typically done at home and earlier in pregnancy, as it’s only FDA-approved through ten weeks gestation (how far along you are). The risks of a medical abortion include: Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn't work Heavy and prolonged bleeding Infection Fever Digestive system discomfort A surgical abortion uses a combination of medication, scraping instruments, suction, and other medical instruments to remove a pregnancy and its related tissue from the uterus. It’s performed later in pregnancy and in a hospital or clinic setting. The risks of a surgical abortion include: Uterine perforation (this occurs when one of the medical instruments pokes a hole in your uterus) Uterine scarring, which can lead to painful or absent periods as well as future infertility Cervical damage Infection The Facts About Adoption Adoption is the process of giving your parental rights to another family who wants a child. While adoption requires you to carry your pregnancy to term, you avoid the medical risks an abortion can have. You may also be able to pick the family you want to adopt your child, as well as get financial and material assistance for pregnancy-related expenses. You’re in control of your adoption plan. There are three types you can choose from: Open Adoption: This is the most common type of adoption and allows you and the adoptive family to communicate freely with one another. Semi-Open Adoption: You can choose whether to exchange identifying information about yourself. This plan allows you to communicate with the adoptive parents through a third party, such as an attorney or adoption agency. Closed Adoption: Details about you are protected and cannot be disclosed to the child or adoptive family. This adoption plan ensures complete privacy and confidentiality, and no contact is maintained. Adoption isn’t “giving up your child.” It’s about making a selfless choice to place your child in a loving family and giving your child a bright future. Discuss Your Options Collage provides no-cost pregnancy services and a safe and confidential space to discuss your pregnancy options. We’re here to support you in making the decision that’s right for you. Request an appointment today.

Chances are, if you're reading this, you're walking through a time of significant decision-making. If abortion is an option you're considering, it's critical to learn all you can about how it works and the risks to ensure you're making a fully informed decision. This article will highlight the essentials you need to know about abortion and the potential immediate risks. But if you’re looking to talk to someone about your pregnancy options or learn more about free support resources, contact Collage today to schedule a free, confidential appointment. How Does Abortion Work? There are two types of abortion: medical and surgical. Medical abortion relies on taking medication to induce abortion. The most common is the abortion pill, which uses a combination of two drugs. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the progesterone hormone that is needed for a pregnancy to continue, which ultimately results in the embryo’s death. The second drug, misoprostol, causes your uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy out of your vagina. Surgical abortion is the process of dilating (opening up) your cervix so that medical instruments can enter your uterus to terminate and remove the pregnancy. Earlier in pregnancy, suction and scraping tools are used, while later in pregnancy, forceps are used to remove fetal parts. What Are the Risks of Abortion? Abortion, like any medical or surgical procedure, carries several different risks. Due to the fact that many women don’t report their abortion, there is limited information about complications, but the resources available report some of the following risks and side effects: Medical Abortion: • Incomplete or failed abortion • Heavy and prolonged bleeding • Undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy • Infection • Fever • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea Surgical Abortion: • Incomplete abortion • Bleeding • Infection • Organ damage How Can I Protect My Health? No matter what option you’re considering, an ultrasound is the only way to confirm if a pregnancy is viable, meaning it’s located in the uterus (not ectopic) and if a heartbeat can be detected. It also lets you know exactly how far along your pregnancy is. This is important to determine which type of abortion would be an option for you. At Collage, we offer free, limited ultrasounds because we believe you deserve to have access to the information you need to protect your health. If your pregnancy test is positive at our center, after a brief medical assessment, we’ll determine if we can offer you an ultrasound. Contact us today to schedule your free, confidential appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.

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