Choosing a pregnancy option is a significant moment, and it requires careful thought. If you’re planning to take the abortion pill, know that your health and safety should be the top priority.
InnerVisions HealthCare offers information and services to help you find clarity. We’ll educate you on the abortion pill and ensure you know what safety steps to take before deciding.
Keep reading to learn must-know details on the abortion pill. You can also schedule a no-cost appointment to learn more.
Knowing the Risks and Side Effects is Crucial
The abortion pill (also called a medical abortion) uses drugs to end a pregnancy.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone the pregnancy needs to develop and grow. Without it, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine lining and ends. Misoprostol is taken next, which causes the uterus to contract. These contractions expel the pregnancy from the body.
When a woman takes these drugs, she’ll have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding as the pregnancy ends and leaves her body. However, other side effects can occur, including:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Additionally, the abortion pill is associated with specific health risks you should know. These risks include:
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, potentially needing surgical treatment)
Learning this information and considering your health history can help you make an informed choice.
Who Shouldn’t Take the Abortion Pill?
The Mayo Clinic notes that the abortion pill isn’t an option if any of the following applies:
- Are too far along in the pregnancy (The FDA has approved this method through 10 weeks gestation only)
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- Have a suspected ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy outside the uterus)
- Have certain medical conditions, including anemia, some bleeding disorders, chronic adrenal failure, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Can’t reach a healthcare professional or don’t have access to emergency care
- Have an allergy to the drugs used
It’s critical to consult a healthcare provider, review your medical history, and make a decision that considers your specific circumstances.
You Need an Ultrasound to Confirm Your Pregnancy
Only an ultrasound can confirm your pregnancy and provide information essential to making an educated decision. This scan provides information about whether your pregnancy is progressing, where it is located, and how far along you are.
This information helps clarify your options. It can also alert you to certain conditions, such as miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, that require medical attention. Receiving an ultrasound is a necessary step to protect your health.
InnerVisions HealthCare provides limited obstetric ultrasounds (if no medical contraindications) performed by our registered nurses. You’ll get the information you need in a non-judgmental space.
No-Cost Information & Services
InnerVisions HealthCare is here for you during an unexpected pregnancy, providing pregnancy confirmation services, information on options, and more.
We care about your situation and provide what’s needed to make a decision without pressure. Make a no-cost, confidential appointment today.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.