If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may consider a medical abortion. While often referred to as “the abortion pill,” medical abortion is a series of drugs used to terminate a pregnancy in the first 10 weeks of gestation.

How Does Medical Abortion Work?

A medical abortion uses two different drugs to complete the abortion process.

The first medication, mifepristone, works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to maintain a pregnancy. Without this hormone, your uterus lining breaks down, and the pregnancy cannot continue. The abortion provider gives this medication at the clinic or doctor’s office.

The second medication, misoprostol, is usually taken 48 hours later. This medication causes your uterus to contract, which will expel the pregnancy. You may experience cramping, bleeding, and passing of tissue, which can last for a few hours up to several days.

What to Watch For?

Like all medications, medical abortion may cause side effects or complications. Some of the potential risks or side effects associated with medical abortion include:

  • Heavy bleeding is the most common side effect and can occur for up to two weeks after the procedure.
  • Cramping is also common and can be severe.
  • Some women experience nausea and vomiting.
  • Some women may experience headaches.
  • Fever and chills can indicate an infection and require medical attention.
  • Incomplete abortion is when the pregnancy is not completely expelled, which may require a surgical abortion to remove any remaining tissue.
  • Some women may have an allergic reaction to the medications.

It is important to remember that medical abortion is not suitable for everyone. There are certain limitations and circumstances where medical abortion is not safe or recommended, such as:

  • Ectopic pregnancy: This is a pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, and medical abortion is not effective in terminating this type of pregnancy. It requires surgical intervention.
  • Certain medical conditions: Women with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, should not undergo a medical abortion.
  • Medications: Some medications, such as blood thinners, may interfere with the effectiveness of the drugs used in medical abortion.
  • Advanced pregnancy: Medical abortion is only effective up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. After this time, a surgical abortion may be necessary.

Get the Answers You Need

Knowing everything you can about your pregnancy will help you make the best decision for your health and future.

The first step in this process is confirming your pregnancy with an in-clinic, lab-quality pregnancy test, which can sometimes provide a more accurate answer than an at-home pregnancy test.

If your pregnancy is confirmed, the next step is to receive an ultrasound scan of your uterus. This scan can provide valuable information, including your pregnancy’s age, location, and viability. An ultrasound can also check for complications or risks, such as an ectopic pregnancy.

These details provide valuable information that will empower you to make the best decision for your pregnancy, body, and future.

We Are Here to Help

Our staff at Wellspring Health and Pregnancy Center can provide you with a confidential pregnancy test and follow-up ultrasound scan, all at no cost to you. Our experienced team can help you get the vital information you need about your pregnancy and discuss all the options available to you.

Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment. Start getting the answers and peace of mind you deserve.   

References

Mayo Clinic. Drugs-Supplements-Mifepristone (Oral Route) Proper Use. Updated February 1, 2023.  Accessed March 20, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/proper-use/drg-20067123

Mayo Clinic. Drugs-Supplements-Misoprostol (Oral Route) Precautions. Updated February 1, 2023.  Accessed March 20, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/misoprostol-oral-route/precautions/drg-20064805

Mayo Clinic. Tests-Procedures-Medical-Abortion-About. Published July 29, 2022. Accessed March 20, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687

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