Let’s face it: many couples have unexpected pregnancies and not all of them are wanted. When a woman becomes pregnant without being ready to become a parent, she becomes anxious and irritable. Unwanted pregnancies come with many thoughts, including options to “take care” of it.
For most, the first thought is abortion; certain laws make it easy to access professional help and care if you want to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. But abortion can be dangerous in more ways than one. Besides, some abortion laws are being repealed and changed, so there is no saying what will happen tomorrow.
Fortunately, that is not the only route a woman can take if she finds herself pregnant outside her readiness. This article explains the possible risks of having an abortion and options that ease the burden of becoming a parent if the woman is not ready.
What Are the Risks of Abortion?
With innovation in medicine getting better by the day and the demands for women’s right to do what they want with their bodies increasing, it’s no surprise that many clinics are springing up to provide professional care before, during and after abortion.
Many such clinics have funding to keep them up and running. For example, the abortion clinics in Charlotte NC have funding to ensure the women get all the required care. However, professional care throughout the process doesn’t always eliminate the dangers of such procedures. There’s always a risk of complications, no matter how careful the doctors are.
In some cases, the procedure may be fatal, although the percentage is pretty low. Still, an abortion can be risky, especially as the pregnancy grows older. Despite the assurance from certain quarters about its safety at any gestational level, it can be fatal.
The following are some risks associated with pregnancy termination at every pregnancy stage:
Incomplete abortion: This is the most common risk of this procedure. The child and other pregnancy products are pulled out of the womb. In some cases, such as when the baby is too big or too tender to pull out in one piece, it may disintegrate, and the placenta may do the same. When left unattended, these bits will cause infection and hemorrhaging. The uterus has to be completely emptied to prevent infections that could be fatal.
Bleeding: There is the risk of heavy bleeding, which is also called hemorrhaging. While some bleeding after the procedure is normal, it’s not normal to see the woman bleeding heavily. Sometimes, the source of the bleeding is not immediately obvious and while suction and medication can take care of it, a few cases have been fatal. However, hemorrhaging is not very common.
Infection in the pelvis: This happens when there is an entrance of germs into the uterus from the cervix or vagina. It may not happen immediately; untreated infections after the procedure spread to other reproductive organs and become a pelvic inflammatory disease in the long run. Like many infections, antibiotics should take care of it, but severe cases will require surgery. Click here to understand the association between abortions and PID.
Complications from anesthesia: Some abortion procedures require using anesthesia, although it’s not usually required. Some people react negatively to anesthesia and develop complications along the way. While the numbers of the casualties are low, the danger is still real and must be considered, especially if there is a history of allergies to certain medications.
Perforation: As careful as a doctor may be, there is the risk of uterine wall perforation. This can lead to sepsis or hemorrhaging, especially if it’s not discovered on time, which can mean death. The possibility of this happening is high, about one out of 500, and the severity can also vary. Surgery usually fixes it, but serious cases will require a hysterectomy.
Alternatives to Abortion
If you are determined to get rid of an unwanted pregnancy, abortion is not your only option. However, all the other options require continuing with the pregnancy, but you must remember that abortion doesn’t work for everyone.
Some pregnancies are too complicated to have this procedure and some states don’t allow it. In such cases, what can you do?
1. Put the Baby Up for Adoption
You carry the baby to term and give birth to it but will already have people who want to adopt it in many cases. You can have an open or closed adoption; an open adoption means there is contact between the adoptive family and you, and a closed adoption means there is no contact until the child turns 18 and wants to know. Follow this link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/ to learn more about the alternatives.
2. Consider Guardianship
Choosing a legal guardian for the child allows you some freedom from parental obligations but also lets you keep some parental rights. Some women change their mind after having their babies and may want to be a part of their lives, so this option works in your favor if this is your situation.
3. Go for Full Parenting
Full parenting might not be a route you want to take but having the baby could surprise you. Childbirth does wonders to the mind, and you might realize the child should be a full part of your life. However, consider the responsibilities and financial implications before fully committing.
Conclusion
Abortion is dangerous in more ways than one. There are many complications that can arise and prove fatal, regardless of the top-quality medical care available. Consider options like giving the child up for adoption or legal guardianship because it saves you from the path of potential fatality. With the right support, you might even find that parenting is not a bad idea!