If you’re considering a medical abortion for an unexpected pregnancy, it’s important to understand how the abortion pills work, the risks, and the side effects. In this article, we offer important abortion pill information you should know before making a final decision.
How Abortion Pills Work
Also known as medical abortion, this abortion procedure uses two abortion drugs to terminate a pregnancy. First, mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone from reaching the uterus. Next, misoprostol causes contractions and bleeding to remove the fetal remains from the body.
Misoprostol is taken anywhere from 24 to 48 hours after mifepristone, although the actual abortion will take longer.
Risks & Side Effects to Know About
There are serious physical risks and side effects to consider before choosing the abortion pill method. Common physical risks include:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue from the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion – This may require surgical intervention.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
In addition to vaginal bleeding and cramping, you can expect some of the following symptoms:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Some women have reported extreme pain with the contractions.
Another Concern
It is important to know that abortion pills do not treat ectopic pregnancies. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants somewhere other than the uterus. If an ectopic pregnancy is not treated and continues to grow, it may rupture. This can lead to heavy bleeding and in some cases, death. It is also important to know that the symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy and the side effects of the abortion pill are very similar. Anyone considering taking the abortion pill should have an ultrasound first to determine if the pregnancy is in the uterus. Oasis Medical Center provides free ultrasounds.
How Will I Know If I Need Medical Attention?
You should contact a healthcare professional immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Heavy bleeding – soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row
- Bad pain in the stomach area or pelvis
- Chills or body aches
- Fast heart rate
- Fever that lasts more than four hours or starts in the following days
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Learn More Today
There is more you need to know about your pregnancy. A positive at-home pregnancy test may not be enough to confirm you are pregnant. We offer free lab-grade pregnancy testing and ultrasounds so you can safeguard your health.
Oasis Medical Center is here for you. Schedule a free pregnancy and pre-abortion consultation. Some same-day appointments are available.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
