The abortion pill is often described as a simple process, but taking abortion drugs involves more than swallowing a pill and waiting for the pregnancy to pass.
The abortion pill uses two different drugs, and complications can occur. There are also important questions to answer about the pregnancy before taking them.
At Her Hope Pregnancy Center, you can receive a no-cost medical-grade pregnancy test and a limited ultrasound to learn more about your pregnancy. We can also provide information about your pregnancy options, including abortion, parenting, and adoption.
Get in touch to make an appointment today.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The term “abortion pill” refers to a medical abortion regimen involving two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first. It blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to maintain the pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract, leading to cramping and bleeding as the pregnancy passes.
The FDA has approved this regimen for ending a pregnancy through 10 weeks of gestation. Cramping and vaginal bleeding are expected effects. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, fever, and chills.
What Are the Risks?
Most women experience cramping and bleeding during the process, but complications can occur. These may include:
- Incomplete abortion, when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- An ongoing pregnancy
- An undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy
The Pregnancy Details You Don’t Want to Overlook
Depending on how early the pregnancy is, an ultrasound can show the pregnancy’s location, estimate gestational age (how many weeks along you are), and detect cardiac activity.
This matters because an ectopic pregnancy can initially look like a normal pregnancy. A woman may have a positive test and typical pregnancy symptoms even though the pregnancy is developing outside the uterus. If an ectopic pregnancy grows inside a fallopian tube, the tube can rupture and cause internal bleeding.
A positive test can also remain after a miscarriage, because hCG can stay in the body after the pregnancy has ended. An ultrasound can help show whether the pregnancy is still developing and whether further medical evaluation may be needed.
The abortion pill is also only approved through ten weeks gestation by the FDA; taking the drugs beyond this time frame could increase your chances of complications such as an incomplete abortion.
A positive test gives you an answer. An ultrasound can give you the bigger picture.
The FDA Warns Against Ordering The Abortion Pill Online
The FDA warns against ordering the abortion pill online. Websites may sell unapproved, counterfeit, expired, or otherwise unsafe drugs, and the FDA may not be able to verify their quality or contents. There is also a lack of in-person medical oversight and follow-up care.
An online purchase can also leave important pregnancy questions unanswered. If you do not know how far along the pregnancy is or where the pregnancy is developing, you may be putting your health at risk.
Get the Information You Need
Learning about the risks does not mean you have to make a decision immediately. It means you have an opportunity to understand your pregnancy and the potential complications before deciding what comes next.
At Her Hope Pregnancy Center, you can receive no-cost pregnancy services to learn more about your pregnancy. You can also talk with our team about abortion, parenting, and adoption, and learn about the resources available to you.
If you have already taken mifepristone and are reconsidering your decision, you can contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Network at 1-877-558-0333 to learn more about abortion pill reversal.
Before you take the next step, schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment at our center.
Her Hope Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.