The abortion pill is also known as medical abortion, which works to terminate an existing pregnancy using two different drugs. In this blog, we explain how these abortion pill drugs work and the risks to consider.
Two-Step Process of Medical Abortion (The Abortion Pill)
Though the abortion pill process could seem like a quick and easy thing to go about, you deserve the facts before making up your mind. Here is a look at the two drugs used in the medical abortion process and what they do:
- Mifepristone: This first abortion drug blocks a hormone called progesterone. Without this hormone, the pregnancy ends.
- Misoprostol: The second abortion drug, misoprostol, causes bleeding and contraction-like cramping to expel the pregnancy from the body through the vagina.
Abortion Pill Risks
There are serious health risks to consider when contemplating taking the abortion pill. While some risks could be compared to a monthly period, other risks are much more intense. Common risks include the following:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
Some side effects also include vaginal bleeding, cramping, chills, diarrhea, and headache. While these risks and side effects can vary based on the woman, it’s important to understand what to expect.
Confirm Your Pregnancy Details
Before going about any type of abortion procedure, safeguard your health with pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing and an ultrasound.
An ultrasound is needed to confirm if your pregnancy is progressing as normal with a heartbeat (also known as viability), confirm pregnancy location (if it’s within the uterus), and confirm how far along you are. Medical abortion (the abortion pill) is only recommended by the FDA for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
We Can Help.
At The Pregnancy Resource Center, we offer free and confidential lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited obstetrical ultrasounds.
Get answers by talking to our compassionate team about abortion pill risks and your pregnancy details. We’re here for you as you navigate this unexpected time.
Schedule a free and confidential appointment today.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
