A positive pregnancy test may make you feel like your life is suddenly out of your control. So, you may have searched “How to Have a Miscarriage” in an attempt to end the pregnancy quickly and privately.
We imagine that you feel overwhelmed, and perhaps scared. But, before you try to end the pregnancy, you should gather the facts about your pregnancy and the risks of self-induced miscarriage. Today, we will explore all that you need to know.
What to Know Before Attempting to End a Pregnancy
How far along am I?
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 your pregnancy viable?
You need to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, or a pregnancy located outside of the uterus. If you have an ectopic pregnancy, you need emergent medical attention.
You also need to know if the pregnancy is progressing. Miscarriages occur in up to 25% 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.
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. 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 Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center for help and support.
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. Call Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center to speak confidentially with our kind and compassionate staff.
What’s The Difference Between Miscarriage and Abortion?
A 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 miscarriage, seek medical care immediately. A doctor will use an 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.
Additionally, Iowa abortion law does not prohibit women from receiving care for miscarriages.[5]
Miscarriage and Abortion Information in Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Before trying to end your pregnancy, contact Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center. Our compassionate team wants to provide you with the information you need to make the best decision for your health and your future. Before trying to end your pregnancy, call us today at (319) 200-2125 to speak with our qualified staff.
Please be aware that Bridgehaven Pregnancy Support Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- McQueen, D. B., & Genovese, H. G. (2023b, November). The prevalence of sporadic and recurrent pregnancy loss. ScienceDirect. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969725013373
- 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
- The Iowa Legislature. (2024, November 19).Chapter 146C. Abortion — Detectable Fetal Heartbeat. https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/146C.pdf