The “abortion pill,” or a medical abortion, is a series of drugs used to terminate a pregnancy.
When facing an unplanned pregnancy, taking a couple of pills may seem like the easiest option, but medical abortion has its risks and limitations.
Before choosing to terminate your pregnancy, understanding the potential impacts of abortion can help protect your future health.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
Mifepristone is typically taken at the doctor’s office. The drug blocks the hormone progesterone. Then, the doctor may send you home with misoprostol, which is used to force the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.
Based on the age of your pregnancy, the doctor will tell you how much cramping and bleeding to expect.
Other symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy bleeding – soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal pain or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Am I Eligible for the Abortion Pill?
Not all pregnancies can use the abortion pill, so it is essential to receive an evaluation to discuss your eligibility and understand your risks.
It’s essential to get an ultrasound to determine the age and location of your pregnancy.
According to the FDA, only pregnancies before ten weeks of age qualify for a medical abortion. Taking the abortion pill beyond this point may increase your risk of an incomplete abortion, which occurs when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus.
An ultrasound also ensures you do not have an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the pregnancy implants outside the uterus. In this case, the abortion pill is not effective, and immediate medical attention is required.
Additionally, you may not be eligible for an abortion if you:
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Have certain medical disorders – bleeding disorders, heart or blood vessel diseases, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, or uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care
- Have an allergy to medicine used
Pre-abortion Consultation
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering abortion, understanding your options can be overwhelming.
Learning the details of your pregnancy is the best place to start. New Beginnings Pregnancy Center can provide you with a free lab-quality pregnancy test and a limited ultrasound scan. We will discuss your results and be available to answer your questions.
Contact us today to get the support you deserve.