Risks of abortion including first trimester abortions

Research suggests that first trimester abortions through use of the medical method are relatively safe. Although abortions are common and relatively safe procedures, there are some effects to be aware of in surgical abortions, such as feeling nauseous as the anaesthetic wears off and two to four weeks of vaginal bleeding with pain and cramps.

These responses to abortion are different to severe complications that, although uncommon, can place the mother at risk. The complications include deep vein thrombosis, haemorrhage, infection, incomplete termination, and accidental damage to the cervix or womb where full hysterectomy is advised.

Losing a Baby:

• Losing a Baby or Pregnancy Loss
• How do I know if I am at risk of losing a baby?
• Losing a baby through miscarriage
• Losing a baby through stillbirth
• Losing a baby through abortion
• Types of abortion

• Should I choose medical or surgical abortion?
• Abortions through abdominal trauma and miscarriage
• Risks of abortion including first trimester abortions
• What to do after losing a baby
• Support for grieving when losing a baby
• Trying for pregnancy again