Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy within the first few weeks. While an individual may decide to abort an embryo using various methods, abortion may happen on its own. In such a case, the abortion is referred to as a spontaneous abortion or a miscarriage. In some countries, such as the United States, ladies have a legal right to terminate a pregnancy, using either surgical methods or medication, but how many abortions can you have?
How Many Abortions Can You Have?
Basically, there is no preset number of abortions that a lady should have in her lifetime. If you are considering abortion, the first trimester of the pregnancy is always the safest time to do it. There are ladies who have had three to four abortions in a row and are still in good health. However, there are those that develop complications after the first abortion. As such, you should keep the number of abortions you have to a minimum; if you have had more than two, you should consider using protection instead.
When Can You Have Abortions?
The earlier you terminate a pregnancy, the safer it is for you. Additionally, aborting the embryo earlier into the pregnancy will make the process easier, less painful and considerably cheaper. As such, it is advisable that you carry out an abortion during the first trimester of the pregnancy, which is the period between conception and three months. Some women abort during the second trimester, between the third and the sixth month of the pregnancy. However, the risk associated with abortion is greater during the second trimester of the pregnancy, as compared to the first trimester. It is not advisable to have an abortion during the third trimester, unless you are in a life threatening situation.
What Options Do You Have?
How many abortions can you have is not the only question that should be bothering you; you also need to understand the options you have. Abortion methods may be grouped into two broad categories. The two categories are:
- Surgical abortion – some of the methods under this category include dilation and evacuation and vacuum aspiration.
- Medical abortion – this entails taking medications to terminate the pregnancy.
While you may choose which method you prefer, surgical abortion is the recommended method for pregnancies that are older than nine weeks.
Medical Abortion
If you decide to use medical abortion, the doctor will prescribe Mifepristone pills, also referred to as the abortion pills. Once in the body, the pills prevent the formation of progesterone hormone, without which the uterine walls cannot hold the pregnancy. As such, the uterine walls will break down and bleeding will follow. This method is about 97 percent effective and should be used before 49 days are over, after the first day of the previous period. You should have someone accompany you to the doctor’s office because you will have to take the first pill there and may have side effects like nauseous, loose stool and dizziness. The second pill is taken at home and will induce light-heavy period, which may contain clots and is accompanied by cramps.
Basically, medical abortion is safe, but may have side effects in some people. In rare occasions, the pills may lead to heavy bleeding, allergic reactions or infection. Though rare, the pill may also result in partial abortion or ectopic pregnancy. There are certain cases when this method is not ideal, such as when:
- You are more than 9 weeks pregnant
- You cannot adhere to your follow up appointments with the doctor
- You cannot complete the dosage
- You are taking anti-blood clotting medication or are suffering from a clotting related disorder
- You do not have someone to watch over you while taking the pills
- You are using an intrauterine birth control device
Surgical Abortion
This is the surgical removal of the embryo, which is carried out by an advanced practice nurse or a qualified doctor in a hospital, clinic or out-patient office. The procedure may be carried out up to 16 weeks after the previous period. When conducted by a qualified professional, surgical abortions are very safe. Before abortion was legalized in the U.S, surgical abortion used to be painful, risky and expensive. However, the procedure is currently conducted in clean and safe places, hence safe. Though rare, there are complications associated with this procedure, including:
- Excessive bleeding
- Damage to the cervix and/or womb
- Infection in the womb and/or the fallopian tube
Additionally, clinics today have security to guard against possible attack on the mothers who carry abortions by people who still believe that it should not be done.
Care After Abortion
In most cases, women are ready to return to their normal activities after a day or two following an abortion. However, it is highly advisable to refrain from strenuous work for at least a week. Additionally, the medical practitioner will advise you not to have sexual intercourse for a certain period after the procedure. You should also avoid rinsing the vagina with fluids to minimize the risk of infections, such as pelvic inflammatory disease. Once you resume intercourse, you should consider using protection, preferably condoms, to prevent infections.
Will Abortion Affect Your Future Fertility?
While the question, how many abortions can you have, others are wondering whether it is possible to become pregnant again after an abortion. Well, most of the methods used to carry out an abortion today are very safe, hence will not interfere with your ability to conceive in the future. After an abortion, you will be advised to refrain from sexual intercourse for a certain period. However, you should understand that it is possible to become pregnant a couple of days after the procedure. As such, you should take appropriate precaution.