How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
You’re pregnant unexpectedly and you don’t know what to do. You are not alone. If you’re considering the abortion pill – you deserve to understand the risks.
The abortion pill is a part of the medication abortion process, which works to terminate a pregnancy. There are two powerful drugs taken in this process, taken 24-48 hours from each other. Only women who’ve been pregnant 10 weeks or less can have this type of abortion.
How Does The Abortion Pill Work?
The hormone progesterone is produced when a woman is pregnant. Progesterone is needed for a fertilized egg to implant within the uterus and grow. Mifepristone, the first drug in the medication abortion process, blocks the woman’s womb from absorbing progesterone. This prevents the embryo from growing and terminates the pregnancy.
The second drug, Misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. The first drug is normally taken at a clinic and the second drug is taken at home.
The Risks Of The Abortion Pill
The Mayo Clinic shares common possible risks of the abortion pill, including…
1. An Incomplete Abortion
An incomplete abortion happens when an abortion procedure fails to expel all of the pregnancy through the vagina. A surgical abortion is necessary to complete the abortion and follow-up with a doctor is necessary. Women are only eligible for medication abortion when 10 weeks pregnant or under. Women have a greater chance of an incomplete abortion the closer they get to those 10 weeks.
2. Heavy/Prolonged Bleeding
With medication abortion, you can experience heavy or prolonged bleeding that is very different than a menstrual period. If this happens, call your doctor as soon as possible. Severe bleeding symptoms could include…
- Bleeding heavily for 12 hours in a row.
- Passing clots that are bigger than a golf ball, lasting two or more hours.
- Soaking more than two large sanitary pads in an hour, for two hours in a row.
3. Infection
The risk of infection is common in women who have a medication abortion. An infection inside the uterus and fallopian tubes is one of the most common complications after a medication abortion.
Signs of an infection include muscle aches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Infection is still possible without a fever. Talk to a doctor if you suspect infection. It can cause serious health complications when left untreated.
Learn Your Options
Our team at Women’s Care Medical Center is here to inform you about your pregnancy options. If you have more questions about abortion, talk to us today. Our services and support are at no cost to you and confidential.
Schedule your appointment today. We are here for you.
Pregnancy Testing
Even if you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, you should verify the results. We provide confidential, no-cost pregnancy testing to help you receive the answers you need.
Ultrasounds
A positive pregnancy test isn’t enough information to make an informed decision. An ultrasound scan can determine how far along you are, the pregnancy’s location, and if it’s viable.
STD Testing
Before making a decision about your unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to know if you have an STD. Take control of your health, get tested today, and receive the peace of mind you deserve!
Pregnancy Testing
Even if you’ve taken a home pregnancy test, you should verify the results. We provide confidential, no-cost pregnancy testing to help you receive the answers you need.
Ultrasounds
A positive pregnancy test isn’t enough information to make an informed decision. An ultrasound scan can determine how far along you are, the pregnancy’s location, and if it’s viable.
STD Testing
Before making a decision about your unplanned pregnancy, it’s important to know if you have an STD. Take control of your health, get tested today, and receive the peace of mind you deserve!
