Medical abortion, despite rumors to the contrary, is only recommended for pregnancies under 10 weeks or 70 days of gestational age. Keep reading this article if you are still early in your pregnancy and want to learn more about the process, risks, and side effects of a medical abortion.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is a series of two different medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Together, these work to end the pregnancy and expel the pregnancy.
The first drug, mifepristone, prevents the developing embryo from receiving progesterone, a hormone essential to maintaining pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later to induce uterine cramping to empty the uterus of the pregnancy.
What Are the Side-Effects of the Abortion Pill?
According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of medical abortion include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is likely to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
These risks highlight the need to have access to emergency medical care if taking the abortion pill.
What Are the Risks of an Abortion Pill?
Vaginal bleeding and cramping are the most predictable side effects of a medical abortion. However, other symptoms may also include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible for the Abortion Pill?
An ultrasound is recommended prior to a medical abortion, and PRC Medical offers this health screening at no cost.
Not only will it determine your pregnancy’s age (and if you qualify for the procedure), but it can also confirm your pregnancy’s location. If it’s located outside of the uterus, it is an ectopic pregnancy and can be life-threatening.
Over 1 in 4 known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, so an ultrasound can also clarify whether your pregnancy is still viable.
Contact us today for your no-cost, confidential ultrasound!