The abortion pill involves taking two different, powerful drugs that work together to terminate and remove a pregnancy from the uterus. These drugs are taken at home, and they come with potentially serious risks to your health.
Read on to learn more about the risks of the abortion pill. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person, contact New Beginnings Pregnancy Center today to be connected to one of our caring team members.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is comprised of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first, and it works by blocking progesterone in your body. This hormone is needed to sustain pregnancy, and without it, your pregnancy will be starved of nutrients and end.
Misoprostol is taken next. It causes your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through your vagina.
What Are the Risks of the Abortion Drugs?
After taking these drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. However, you might also experience a risk. A risk is an adverse health complication that is rare and potentially serious. Risks of the abortion drugs include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
If certain medical situations apply to you, you aren’t eligible for the abortion drugs—and if you attempt to take them, you’re putting yourself at a greater likelihood of experiencing a risk. Some of these situations include:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy (the abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under 10 weeks gestation)
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- Having an ectopic pregnancy
- Having certain medical conditions
- Taking a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Not being able to make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care
- Having an allergy to the medicine used
Next Steps
An important way to safeguard your health is to receive an ultrasound. This simple scan will give you the key information you need to stay safe if you’re considering abortion.
At New Beginnings Pregnancy Center, we offer free limited ultrasounds and other pregnancy resources that can help you make an informed decision about how to move forward. Contact us today to schedule your free appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.