If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering a medical abortion, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed as you try to navigate abortion information online. This is understandable, which is why we’ve compiled the basics of what you need to know about this pregnancy option.
The abortion pill method involves taking two drugs that are FDA-approved for up to 10 weeks gestation. While this may seem like an easy option, it’s essential to know all you can about medical abortion before making this choice. Read on to learn more information about the abortion pill, its potential risks, and recommended health screenings before an abortion procedure.
How Does It Work?
The first drug taken is mifepristone. This drug prevents the pregnancy from developing by blocking an essential hormone called progesterone. All pregnancies need progesterone to grow. Without this hormone, the pregnancy ends.
At least 24-48 hours later, the second drug, misoprostol, is taken. It forces the uterus to contract so the body can expel the pregnancy.
What Are the Risks?
Potential risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
It’s also essential to ensure you are not taking certain other medications with mifepristone.
What Should I Do Before Starting the Abortion Pill?
Before seeking a medical abortion, taking a pregnancy test is essential rather than relying on common pregnancy symptoms. Even if you have taken a home pregnancy test, it’s vital to get the results confirmed by a follow-up test.
After a positive pregnancy test result, you’ll also want to schedule an ultrasound. A pregnancy test only indicates the possibility of pregnancy, but an ultrasound verifies the pregnancy’s age and if it is viable (up to 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage).
Next Steps
Life Choices Medical Clinic offers pregnancy tests and ultrasounds at no cost to you, so you can learn vital information about your pregnancy and be fully informed in your decision.
Our medical team will give you the results of your pregnancy test and ultrasound and answer any of your questions with medically-accurate information.
We provide a pressure-free environment to empower you to make your best decision. Contact us today!