Category: pregnancy

If you’re considering abortion, you’re likely sorting through a lot of information—some of it helpful, some of it confusing, and some of it conflicting. This is a deeply personal decision, and you deserve medically accurate, compassionate, and pressure-free support as you explore your options.

The medical risks associated with abortion can vary depending on the type of procedure, your personal health history, and how far along the pregnancy is. At Pregnant Choices, we’re here to answer your questions and provide free ultrasounds and educational resources—so you can make the most informed decision for your health and future.

Medical Risks of Chemical Abortion

A chemical abortion (also known as the abortion pill) involves taking two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for pregnancy to continue, while misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

While many women take the abortion pill without experiencing serious complications, there are some risks to be aware of. According to the FDA, side effects may include:

• Heavy bleeding
• Infection
• Sepsis
• Uterine rupture
• Ruptured ectopic pregnancy
• In rare cases, death

Clinical studies cited by the FDA report that serious adverse reactions occur in less than 0.5% of cases. However, a separate 2023 analysis of insurance claims following chemical abortions reported a higher rate of serious complications—about 11.2%—based on a study of over 154,000 chemical abortions.

If you’ve started a chemical abortion and are feeling uncertain about continuing, there is a protocol known as Abortion Pill Reversal, which involves progesterone therapy. Early studies have shown a 64–68% success rate. For immediate support, you can call the 24/7 Abortion Pill Reversal hotline at 1-877-558-0333.

Medical Risks of Surgical Abortion (Dilation & Evacuation)

A Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) procedure is a form of surgical abortion that is typically performed during the second trimester. Like any medical procedure, it carries some risk, though many women undergo it without complications.

Possible risks may include:

• Injury to the cervix or uterus
• Infection
• Heavy bleeding
• Retained tissue
• Uterine perforation or rupture

As with chemical abortion, risks may increase depending on your personal health history and how many previous abortions you’ve had. According to a review by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, women who have had two or more D&E procedures may have a higher chance of complications in future pregnancies, such as preterm delivery.

While the report did not find conclusive links between abortion and conditions like ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, breast cancer, or long-term mental health disorders, it emphasized that more research is needed in some areas to draw definitive conclusions.

Emotional Considerations After Abortion

While some women feel relief after an abortion, others may experience a mix of emotions—sometimes immediately, and sometimes later on. Feelings of grief, loss, or regret are not uncommon and can be difficult to process alone.

At Pregnant Choices, we offer confidential, compassionate post-abortion support for any woman who is struggling emotionally after an abortion experience. You don’t have to carry that weight alone. Healing is possible, and we’re here to walk with you.

Is Abortion Legal in My State?

Laws surrounding abortion vary widely by state and are changing frequently. In the state of Georgia, as of June 2025, abortions are illegal after six weeks or when a heartbeat is detectable on an ultrasound–whichever comes first. If you have questions about this, our staff can help.

You’re Not Alone—We’re Here to Help

Understanding the risks and realities of abortion is a critical part of making an informed decision. At Pregnant Choices, we are not here to pressure or persuade—we’re simply here to support you with information, medical services, and compassion.

Whether you’re still gathering information, feeling unsure, or need someone to talk to, our doors are open. All services are free and confidential.

Let us know how we can help.

It’s a surprising idea—but yes, being pregnant with twins can sometimes cause a false negative result on a urine pregnancy test. This rare situation is linked to something called the hook effect, which can happen when hormone levels are extremely high.

Pregnancy tests are typically very accurate. However, when hCG levels exceed 500,000 mIU/mL, it can overwhelm the test, preventing it from detecting the hormone properly. This is more likely to happen in multiple pregnancies—especially if each baby has their own placenta, which can compound hormone levels.

If you’ve missed multiple periods, have pregnancy symptoms, or underwent fertility treatments like IVF—but your urine test is still negative—it’s a good idea to follow up with a blood test for confirmation. 

How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?

Pregnancy tests detect the presence of hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), a hormone that rises rapidly during early pregnancy. A nonpregnant woman typically has about 5 mIU/mL of hCG, while pregnancy tests generally detect levels of 20 mIU/mL or higher.

Here’s how it works: the test contains antibodies that bind to hCG. If the hormone is present at a detectable level, the test will show a positive result.

However, in rare cases—like very high hCG concentrations—the test becomes overwhelmed and fails to register correctly. This is the hook effect.

hCG Levels by Week of Pregnancy

Here’s a general guideline of hCG levels during pregnancy:

Week 3: 5–50 mIU/mL
Week 4: 5–426 mIU/mL
Week 5: 18–7,340 mIU/mL
Week 6: 1,080–56,500 mIU/mL
Weeks 7–8: 7,650–229,000 mIU/mL
Weeks 9–12: 25,700–288,000 mIU/mL

Hook effect range: >500,000 mIU/mL

When Can Pregnancy Tests Be Inaccurate?

Urine tests are 99% accurate under normal circumstances. But if your hCG levels are unusually high—often 2,500 times higher than the lowest detectable amount—the hook effect can lead to a false negative result. This is most likely to occur late in the first trimester and especially in pregnancies involving multiples.

Can Twins Cause a False Negative Pregnancy Test?

Although it’s rare, yes, being pregnant with twins can cause a urine pregnancy test to show a false negative, especially if the pregnancy results from IVF. Multiple pregnancies cause elevated hCG levels, making inaccurate test results more likely. If you’re experiencing symptoms of pregnancy but your test results are unclear, we recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment.

We’re here to help provide accurate medical information and compassionate support, no matter where you are in your pregnancy journey.

Contact us today to speak with a professional or schedule a free appointment.