An unplanned pregnancy may make you feel like your life is suddenly out of your control. You may have searched “how to have a miscarriage” in an attempt to end the pregnancy quickly and privately.
In this article, we’ll discuss the risks of self-induced miscarriage, where you can go to get help for your unplanned pregnancy, and how to make a safe and informed decision. Keep reading to learn more.
What to Know Before Attempting to End a Pregnancy
How far along am I?
Before attempting to end a pregnancy by any method, It’s important to know how far along you are in your pregnancy. Although you can guess based on your last menstrual period, an ultrasound is the most accurate way to know how far along you are.
Is the pregnancy viable?
An ultrasound can also detect an ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy located outside of the uterus. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you need immediate medical attention. The abortion pill does not treat an ectopic pregnancy, so knowing where the pregnancy is located is very important.
You also need to know if the pregnancy is progressing. Natural miscarriages occur in 10-20% of known pregnancies, often in the first trimester.[1] So, before ending the pregnancy, you should know if you’re at risk for a natural miscarriage.
Call Morning Star Clinics to see if you qualify for a free ultrasound at 717-901-2799.
What are the Risks of Self-Induced Miscarriage?
The idea of a self-induced miscarriage may feel convenient and relieving but it can also pose serious threats to your physical health. Depending on the method used, some risks could include:
- Retained pregnancy tissue requiring medical or surgical interventions
- Infection
- Allergic reactions
- Poisoning
- Organ failure
- Death
Is it Safe to use Herbs to Induce Miscarriage?
No one should take herbs or home remedies to end a pregnancy. Taking herbs to induce miscarriage could cause severe complications including organ failure,[2] or even death.[3]
Can Stress Cause a Miscarriage?
Research affirms that stress, exercise, sexual activity, and prolonged use of birth control do not cause miscarriage.[4] Nonetheless, your mental and emotional well-being is extremely important. If you find yourself unable to handle stress or are experiencing spiraling thoughts, call Morning Star Clinics for help and support. If you are at immediate risk of hurting yourself or others, you can call or text the 988 Lifeline for immediate help.
Can Physical Harm Induce a Miscarriage?
If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and considering harming yourself, please know that you have other options. Inflicting physical harm does not always cause an abortion and can instead threaten your health and your life. We can provide information on all your pregnancy options. You can also reach out to a 24-hour helpline such as 988 Lifeline for immediate support.
What’s the Difference Between Miscarriage and Abortion?
A natural miscarriage occurs when a pregnancy stops developing on its own before 20 weeks. Miscarriages occur often for reasons outside of a woman’s control.[4] Healthcare teams help manage a miscarriage, as they evaluate for signs of infection, retained tissue, and other complications.
During an abortion, a woman intentionally ends a pregnancy by taking prescribed abortion pills or by undergoing a medical procedure. Abortion availability depends on how far along you are in your pregnancy and state laws.
Do I Need an Abortion if I am Miscarrying?
If you think you may be experiencing a natural miscarriage, seek medical care immediately. A healthcare provider may use ultrasound, blood work, and a pelvic exam to confirm you are miscarrying.[4]
If your uterus hasn’t passed all the pregnancy tissue or if you’re bleeding heavily, your doctor may perform a dilation and curettage (D&C) or dilation and evacuation (D&E).[4] Although these are the same procedures used to perform abortions, they are not legally considered abortion because the pregnancy has already ended on its own.
Miscarriage and Abortion Information in Harrisburg, PA
Before trying to end your pregnancy, contact Morning Star Clinics. Our compassionate team wants to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your health and your future. Call us today at 717-901-2799 to speak with our qualified staff.
Please be aware that Morning Star Clinics does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, September 8). Miscarriage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298
- Ciganda, C., & Laborde, A. (2003). Herbal infusions used for induced abortion. U.S. National Library of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12807304/
- Kelly Johnson-Arbo. (n.d.). Is herbal abortion safe? Poison Control. https://www.poison.org/articles/herbal-abortion
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Miscarriage. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage