If you are facing an unexpected pregnancy, you might be weighing your options. This page will give you answers to the questions you might have about the abortion pill.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill, sometimes called a medical abortion or chemical abortion, is a two-step process that includes two drugs.
Step 1
The first step of the abortion pill is taking the drug Mifepristone. Usually, this drug is taken in the office of the abortion provider. This drug blocks the progesterone the body makes. A pregnancy requires progesterone to continue, so this drug ends the pregnancy.
Step 2
After taking Mifepristone, a second drug, Misoprostol, is taken. This drug is taken within 48 hours of the first drug. It causes the uterus to begin contracting the pregnancy out of the body.
Does the Abortion Pill Have Risks?
All abortions carry risks, and the abortion pill is no different. Some risks of the abortion pill include the following:
- Incomplete abortion (can require a surgical abortion)
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
After taking the initial pill at the provider’s office, a woman is sent home to finish the process and recover. This means a woman must monitor herself for signs and symptoms of more severe risks. These risks can increase the chances of serious complications.
A woman should immediately reach out to the provider if she has any of the following signs or symptoms:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Is the Abortion Pill Right for Me?
To decide if the abortion pill is the best choice for you, you should first gather some more information. A medical-grade pregnancy test and ultrasound are usually a good first step. These tests will give you the information required to make the right decision.
- Are home pregnancy tests accurate?
- Home pregnancy tests are said to be 99% accurate.
- How far along is your pregnancy?
- The abortion pill is only approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks. An ultrasound can be used to date your pregnancy.
- Where is your pregnancy located?
- Sometimes a pregnancy implants someplace other than the uterine wall. This is called an ectopic pregnancy, and it can be dangerous. The abortion pill is not effective at treating an ectopic pregnancy. An ultrasound will show the provider where your pregnancy is located.
- Is your pregnancy viable?
- Did you know that 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage? An ultrasound will tell you if your pregnancy is progressing.
- What will you do with the pregnancy tissue?
- Before taking the abortion pill make a plan to dispose of the pregnancy tissue.
Where Can I Find Help?
We offer options counseling, free pregnancy tests and ultrasound evaluations by our medical staff at The Pregnancy Care Center of Rincon. An appointment will give you the confidence you need to make a decision that gives you peace. Schedule an appointment today.