The abortion pill, also known as medical abortion, terminates a pregnancy.
If you’re considering taking the abortion drugs, it’s essential to understand how they work and the potential effects the drugs might have on your body.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill involves taking two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone Mifepristone is the first drug. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is essential for maintaining the pregnancy. Progesterone helps the uterine lining to support the growing embryo. By inhibiting this hormone, mifepristone causes the lining of the uterus to break down, stopping the embryo from continuing to develop.
Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours after mifepristone. This drug induces uterine contractions, causing the uterus to expel the pregnancy from the uterus and out through the vagina.
What to Expect After Taking The Abortion Drugs
After taking the abortion drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Some women have reported that the pain they experienced was unexpectedly severe.
Other side effects of the abortion drugs include:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
The abortion pill also comes with some risks that may include the following:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
Next Steps
If you’re thinking about taking the abortion drugs, it’s essential to get an ultrasound. This simple scan will give you the information you need to stay safe.
At Elevate Pregnancy and Family Resource Center, we can help you get access to limited ultrasounds because we believe you deserve to have access to what you need to make informed, healthy decisions.
Contact us today to schedule a free, private appointment.