If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be curious about the abortion pill.
While you may feel the abortion pill, also known as medical abortion, is your best option, the termination of a pregnancy using the abortion pill comes with certain risks and limitations.
For the sake of your health, continue reading to learn more about the potential adverse health effects of the abortion pill and who is eligible.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill terminates a pregnancy using two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone and thinning the lining of the uterus. The pregnancy then detaches and stops growing.
Misoprostol creates uterine contractions, which expel the pregnancy from the uterus through the vagina.
Risks of the Abortion Pill
As your body passes the pregnancy, it is crucial to watch for signs of excessive bleeding and infection.
It is possible to have an incomplete abortion if your body does not expel all of the pregnancy tissue, which may require a follow-up surgical procedure.
You should seek immediate medical care if you experience any of the following:
- Soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row
- Bad stomach or pelvic pain
- Fever that lasts more than four hours or starts after taking misoprostol
- Fast heart rate
- Chills or body aches
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Along with the physical health risks, abortion can also have a serious impact on your mental and emotional health. Studies have shown that those with a history of abortion have a higher rate of depressive disorders, anxiety, sleep disturbances, suicidal behaviors, and substance abuse.
Who Is Eligible for the Abortion Pill?
Just because you are pregnant does not mean you qualify for the abortion pill.
According to the FDA, the abortion pill should not be used beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Additionally, if you have any of the following conditions, you are not eligible for the abortion pill:
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- Having an ectopic pregnancy
- Taking a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Can’t access emergency care
- Having an allergy to the drugs used during a medical abortion
- Having certain medical issues such as anemia, some bleeding disorders, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, chronic adrenal failure, severe lung, liver, or kidney disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
We’re Here for You
Choosing how to proceed with an unplanned pregnancy can feel confusing and overwhelming.
Wellspring Pregnancy and Health Center is here to support you.
We provide free lab-quality pregnancy tests and follow-up ultrasound scans so you can learn more about your pregnancy and options.
Our trusted staff can answer your questions and provide the resources to help you make the best decision for your health and future.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment. You can also text or call 402-463-7785.
