Getting an ultrasound before an abortion is recommended because you will need to determine the gestational age of your pregnancy to know what type of abortion you need and verify your pregnancy. An ultrasound can determine if your body is preparing for a miscarriage.

You should have a pregnancy test as well as STI/STD testing and treatment.

This depends on the type of abortion you get. If you get a medical abortion, you will be taking two different medications. One pill stops the pregnancy, and the other pill expels the pregnancy tissue from your body. If you get a surgical abortion, a doctor must insert a speculum to examine your uterus. Your cervix will be stretched open with dilators either before or during the procedure. Next, the doctor will insert a tube through the cervix into the uterus, which is attached to a suction device. This will empty the uterus.

Pain and discomfort levels vary from woman to woman. Some women experience the physical side effect of severe cramping, fever, vomiting, chills, etc. Additionally, some of the emotional and psychological side effects don’t always present themselves until much later.

You can expect to experience light to heavy vaginal bleeding accompanied by cramping for about two weeks. However, if you continue to have bleeding and cramping for more than two weeks, you should seek medical attention.

• Intense cramping • Bleeding heavier than a period • Dizziness • Diarrhea • Headaches • Mild fever • Hot flashes • Chills More severe side effects, which need medical attention: • An allergic reaction to the medication • Infection • An incomplete abortion • Severe pain • Fever • Passing clots for two or more hours that are equal or larger than the size of a lemon • Strong smelling vaginal discharge • Excessive bleeding, using two or more pads in an hour

The average cost of an abortion in the US in the first trimester is approximately $500. Second-trimester abortions average $1,500. However, abortion costs tend to be higher in states where abortion is more restricted.