If you’re researching abortion, you may have seen the term “abortion pill” used alongside “medical abortion.” They refer to the same abortion method, and if you’ve heard either of these names, you might be wondering what the process involves. A medical abortion uses two drugs, taken at different times, to end an early pregnancy.
If you’re looking for accurate information before making a decision, Her Choice Women’s Health is here to help. Schedule a free, confidential appointment today to learn more about all your options.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to grow and develop. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
The abortion pill is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy. That makes accurate dating important, especially if you are unsure when your last period began or if your cycles are irregular.
What to Expect Afterward
Cramping and vaginal bleeding will occur as the abortion drugs work to end and expel the pregnancy. The amount of bleeding and intensity of cramping can vary. Some women report that the pain is more severe than they expected.
Other possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
There are also potential risks, including heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, an incomplete abortion that may require additional treatment, or an ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work.
If symptoms worsen or you develop signs of infection, such as a prolonged fever or intense pain, seek medical attention right away.
Why Pregnancy Confirmation Comes First
A positive home pregnancy test can tell you that hCG is present, but it cannot tell you how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, or whether the pregnancy is developing.
A limited ultrasound can provide those details. It can also help identify an ectopic pregnancy, which requires emergency treatment and cannot be treated with abortion drugs.
Her Choice Women’s Health offers pregnancy tests with results read by licensed staff members and limited ultrasounds performed by a certified ultrasound technician.
Get the Information You Need
If you’re considering the abortion pill, start with accurate information about your own pregnancy rather than general information online.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment with Her Choice Women’s Health today to get answers to your questions.
Her Choice Women’s Health does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
