When medication abortions are presented as an option for an unplanned pregnancy, the side effects and potential risks are often minimized or under-discussed. Read the rest of this article to understand how the abortion pill works, its side effects and possible risks, and important health screenings you can take to protect your reproductive health.
How Does A Medical Abortion Work?
The abortion pill, also called a medication abortion, is a regimen of two separate medications: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is an antiprogestin that blocks the hormone levels of progesterone from reaching pregnancy. This ends fetal growth and development, so the pregnancy ends.
24-48 hours later, misoprostol, the second drug, is taken. This induces uterine cramping so that the fetus and pregnancy tissues are expelled, so they don’t cause infection.
What are the Risks of a Medication Abortion?
Cramping and vaginal bleeding are common side effects of medication abortion. If you bleed enough to fill two pads per hour in two hours, you should seek immediate medical attention.
According to Mayo Clinic, you may also experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Tell your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away: pelvic pain; vaginal burning, itching, or discharge; headache; tiredness; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; anxiety; and/or back or leg pain.
Confirm Pregnancy Viability
If you are considering an abortion, it’s important to understand your eligibility. Medication abortion is only FDA-approved up to 70 days (10 weeks) gestational age.
At our clinic, we offer no-cost pregnancy tests as well as ultrasounds which can confirm the age of the pregnancy as well as its age and location.
These details can help you determine what your options are. At Abria Pregnancy Resources, we also offer options consultations where you can discuss your pregnancy options and questions in a confidential, pressure-free environment.
We are here to support you. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Abria offers support at no cost to you regarding your decisions but does not refer for or perform abortions.