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Are you considering the abortion pill as you navigate an unexpected pregnancy? The abortion pill, also called a medical abortion, involves taking two abortion drugs that work to terminate an existing pregnancy. This type of abortion comes with risks and side effects.

First, confirm how far along you are to determine what abortion options are available to you and safeguard your health. A medical abortion is only recommended by the FDA for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy. 

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

First, mifepristone is given, which blocks a hormone called progesterone. This action causes the uterine lining to thin and prevents the pregnancy from growing and staying attached to the uterus. Secondly, misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.

Get free medical-grade pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound at Anderson Pregnancy Care to confirm your pregnancy details and options.

The Risks & Side Effects to Consider

Encountering risks and side effects of the abortion pill is not uncommon for women. The possible risks of the abortion pill include the following:

• The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion (this may require surgical treatment)
• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach

Other possible side effects of the abortion pill include upset stomach, chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and a headache. Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding will also occur as the drugs work to end and expel the pregnancy.

Before Taking the Abortion Pill

Getting clarity about your pregnancy details is vital to knowing if the abortion pill is an option for you. Following positive pregnancy testing, an ultrasound is needed to confirm how far along your pregnancy is. It can also alert you to potential complications like miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.

Schedule a free and confidential appointment today to learn more about the abortion pill and your pregnancy options. We’re here for you.