If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be wondering about the abortion pill and what it entails. Understanding how it works, its potential risks, and what steps you should take before deciding is essential for your health and safety.
Elevate Pregnancy and Family Resource Center offers free and private appointments to get the facts you need in a supportive, non-judgmental setting. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy options, and keep reading to get valuable insight on how the abortion pill works.
Understanding the Abortion Pill
The abortion pill, also called a medical abortion, typically uses two drugs to end a pregnancy. This method is FDA-approved for use through 10 weeks gestation, and taking it after this timeframe is not recommended due to the potential risks it poses.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for a pregnancy to grow. Without it, the lining of the uterus breaks down, and the pregnancy can no longer continue. The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
While cramping and bleeding are expected parts of the process, other side effects may occur, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and headache.
In addition to side effects, the abortion pill carries certain risks, such as:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Infection
- Fever
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (some of the pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, which may require surgical treatment)
Because some of these risks can become serious without immediate medical care, it’s essential to confirm your pregnancy, verify how far along you are, and discuss your health history before deciding.
Your Next Steps
At Elevate Pregnancy and Family Resource Center, we provide free lab-quality pregnancy tests to give an initial result. Following a positive pregnancy test, you’ll also want an obstetric ultrasound to confirm critical information about your pregnancy and clarify your options.
We’ll also talk with you about all your options—parenting, adoption, and abortion—so you can make an informed decision that prioritizes your health and future.
Schedule your private appointment today to get the information and support you need to confidently move forward.
Elevate Pregnancy and Family Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.