A medical abortion, also known as the “abortion pill,” uses a combination of two powerful drugs that work together to terminate a pregnancy and then expel the fetal remains from the uterus through the vagina.
If you’re considering a medical abortion, it’s important you make an educated decision.
Read on to learn more. Or, if you want to talk to someone in person about your pregnancy options, contact First Choice today. All appointments and resources are free and confidential.
How Does a Medical Abortion Work?
Medical abortion involves two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone in your body. Without this important hormone, your uterine lining loosens, and your pregnancy detaches.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
After taking the medical abortion drugs, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding—and some women have reported that the pain is unexpectedly severe.
What Are the Risks of Medical Abortion?
The drugs involved in a medical abortion are associated with potentially serious risks, which include:
- Incomplete abortion (which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus)
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Since these drugs are taken at home, it’s vital to be aware of these risks to protect your health—especially since they can initially feel like a side effect. For example, you might experience a low-grade fever as a side effect, but if it persists, it could indicate an infection.
How Can I Protect My Health?
Before seeking a medical abortion, it’s essential to receive an ultrasound. This simple scan can help reveal your pregnancy’s gestational age and location, which are two critical details you need to know (a medical abortion is only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is under ten weeks, and it’s also not an option if you’re facing an ectopic pregnancy, which when the pregnancy develops outside the uterus).
You’re Not Alone
At First Choice, we understand what you’re going through—but you’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.
Contact us today to learn about all the ways we’re here to help.
