Abortion is a complex and emotional topic regarding women's reproductive health. For some women, seeing a positive pregnancy test may brighten up their world; however, for some, it might be a daunting truth they don't want to face. Nonetheless, it is essential to discuss the implications of abortion on subsequent pregnancies.
To calm the storms in your mind, abortion during pregnancy does not dim your chances of becoming pregnant again and having healthy pregnancies in the future. However, the implications of abortion can differ from individual to individual. Let's learn more about the effect of abortion during pregnancy in future.
Types Of Abortions
Abortions are of two types based on the weeks of pregnancy estimated through a gestation calculator:
Medical Abortion:
Medication is one of the ways for abortion in the early phases of pregnancy. As long as it's carried out with the assistance of the medical team, a medical abortion doesn't seem to increase the risk of complications during a subsequent pregnancy. One can choose this abortion only 11 weeks after the last period. The early stages of pregnancy include:
If you're considering a medical abortion and want to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy, you can use a pregnancy calculator to calculate the gestational age of your pregnancy:
Upto 7 Weeks Pregnant:
Methotrexate can prevent the embryo's cells from proliferating excessively when taken up to seven weeks before delivery. Once the pregnancy journey is released, a woman takes misoprostol to induce uterine contractions.
Upto 10 Weeks Pregnant:
During an early phase of pregnancy upto 10 weeks, medications such as misoprostol (Cytotec) and mifepristone (Mifeprex) are taken. Mifepristone acts by inhibiting the hormone (progesterone) that maintains the pregnancy, leading to termination of pregnancy. Additionally, misoprostol works by contracting the uterus to expel the pregnancy, softening the cervix.
Surgical Abortion:
Also known as procedural abortion, where an operation is performed in a clinic or hospital to end a pregnancy journey. Here are different surgical abortion methods performed depending upon the pregnancy week:
Upto 14 Weeks Pregnant:
A dilation and evacuation, also known as a D and E, is most likely to occur if you are in your second trimester and more than 13 weeks since your last menstrual period. It involves the surgical removal of the placenta and fetus.
Upto 16 Weeks Pregnant:
A vacuum aspiration is likely to occur if you are in your first trimester. Vacuum aspiration is one of the most frequently used methods of abortion up to 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Upto 24 Weeks Pregnant: States have different regulations on abortion after 24 weeks. Taking birth-inducing drugs is a necessary step in this procedure. A medical professional will remove Any fetal products from the uterus after the baby is delivered. According to research, neither type of abortion carries high risks and does not affect fertility.
Read more: How to Deal with Unplanned Pregnancy
Effects of Abortion on Pregnancy
An uncomplicated abortion during pregnancy does not have a long-term effect on a woman's physical health. However, repeated abortion can lead to complications in future pregnancies and cause cervical damage, uterine scarring, and infection. Multiple abortions can also increase the risk of fertility problems.
Some studies infer that abortion and preterm birth or low birth weight in subsequent pregnancies are associated; however, there is no proof, and researchers are studying to establish a connection between them. However, there is a slight risk of ectopic pregnancy, where the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus in women with a history of abortion.
Wrapping up,
Generally, abortion during pregnancy does not impact fertility or has long-term effects on subsequent pregnancies. Choose stem cell preservation to obtain biological assurance that your child and family will be shielded from potentially fatal illnesses. With Cryovia, secure your family's future, schedule an appointment with our professionals and explore our different stem cell banking programs to safeguard your loved ones.