What’s the Difference Between Plan B and the Abortion Pill?
Are you anxious that you might be pregnant or may become pregnant? The thought of experiencing an unplanned pregnancy can cause a lot of stress and worry and knowing what to do in this situation can be tricky.
Women’s Care Medical Center is here to help break down the difference between Plan B and the abortion pill!
What is Plan B and How Does it Work?
Plan B, also known as “the morning-after pill,” is an over-the-counter drug that can be taken within 72 hours of having unprotected sex in order to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.
Plan B provides a three-pronged approach to preventing pregnancy. The first approach is to prevent ovulation from occurring so that an egg will not be released. If ovulation has already happened, Plan B will keep the sperm from fertilizing the egg. If fertilization has already taken place, the medication will then alter the uterine lining to make it inhospitable to implantation.
The main difference between Plan B and the abortion pill is that while the abortion pill terminates a pregnancy, Plan B prevents it from happening in the first place.
Does Plan B Have Side Effects?
Yes — women may experience side effects when taking Plan B, such as bleeding, nausea, abdominal pain, exhaustion, headaches, and dizziness.
What is the Abortion Pill and How Does it Work?
The abortion pill may be used to terminate an unwanted pregnancy in the first 10 weeks of gestation. This chemical abortion process requires taking two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone ends the pregnancy by preventing the body from properly absorbing the hormone progesterone. The female body requires progesterone in order to become pregnant and maintain a healthy pregnancy — without it, the pregnancy will end.
Once the pregnancy has ended, misoprostol is taken (typically at home) to cause contractions and help expel the pregnancy from the uterus. The fetal tissue will be expelled in the form of blood clots, sometimes as large as a lemon.
Does the Abortion Pill Have Side Effects?
In addition to the necessary bleeding and cramping, side effects of the abortion pill may include exhaustion, nausea, fever and chills, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, and dizziness. More severe health risks, such as sepsis, infection, and hemorrhaging, may occur.
What do I Need Before Taking the Abortion Pill?
If you’re considering the abortion pill, we recommend first receiving lab-quality pregnancy testing, an ultrasound scan, STD testing (and treatment, if necessary), and a professional medical consultation. While this may seem like a lot, these steps are suggested to ensure you’re able to make the safest choice for you and your future. And thankfully, these services are free and confidential at your local pregnancy center!
If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, Women’s Care Medical Center is here to help! Our center offers free medical-grade pregnancy testing, ultrasound scans, STD testing, community referrals, and more.
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!
