Facing an unexpected pregnancy can make it feel like the world has turned upside down. And maybe you’re thinking—hoping—that the abortion pill is a discrete option that can make everything feel normal again. Your feelings are understandable, but it’s essential to know that the abortion pill isn’t as simple as taking Tylenol.
The drugs involved in the abortion pill regimen are powerful and come with potentially serious risks to your health. This article will highlight those risks and the essentials you need to know to protect your health. (Looking for a safe space to talk? Contact us anytime. All appointments and resources are free and private.)
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is comprised of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first and works by blocking progesterone in your body. This hormone is needed to sustain pregnancy, and without it, your pregnancy will be starved of nutrients and eventually detach from the uterine lining and end.
Misoprostol is taken next. It causes your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through your vagina.
What Are the Risks of the Abortion Drugs?
After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping (and some women have reported that the pain was unexpectedly severe). However, you might also experience a risk. A risk is an adverse health complication that, although rare, is potentially serious.
Risks of the abortion drugs include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system issues
If certain medical situations apply to you, you aren’t eligible for the abortion drugs—and if you attempt to take them, you’re putting yourself at a greater likelihood of experiencing a risk. Some of these situations include:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy (the abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks gestation)
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- Having an ectopic pregnancy
- Having certain medical conditions
- Taking a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Not being able to make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care
- Having an allergy to the drugs used
Next Steps
Before seeking the abortion pill, it’s critical to get an ultrasound. This simple scan will help you determine your eligibility for the abortion drugs and also give you the important details you need to stay safe (like making sure you’re not experiencing a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy).
At Elevate Pregnancy and Family Resource Center, we care about your safety and well-being. We offer a safe space to talk, ask questions, and learn about your pregnancy options and the pregnancy services we offer. You don’t have to face this alone. Contact us today to learn how we’re here to help.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.