The risks of the abortion pill, also known as medication or medical abortion, include: incomplete abortion, ongoing pregnancy (if the procedure doesn’t work), heavy and prolonged bleeding, infection, fever, and digestive system discomfort.
If the abortion is incomplete after the abortion pill, it may need to be followed up by surgical abortion. Keep reading for more information on the abortion pill.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is a two-drug process consisting of mifepristone and misoprostol. They can come in different forms and the amounts will depend on the specific prescription.
Usually, the first drug, mifepristone, is taken in the abortion clinic. This one terminates the pregnancy by blocking progesterone, a vital pregnancy hormone. The pregnancy can’t survive without it and will end. Then, misoprostol is taken about 24-48 hours later. This drug triggers the uterus to contract so the body can expel the uterus through abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
Everyone’s experience with this process can be different. While some might report it’s like a heavy period, others might share that it was a more serious experience.
Conditions that Make the Abortion Pill Unsafe
Certain personal health conditions can make the abortion pill unsafe. If considering this option, speak to your doctor first.
The Mayo Clinic says the abortion pill isn’t an option for those who:
- Are too far along in pregnancy (The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for those up to ten weeks along.)
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- Have an ectopic pregnancy (located outside the uterus)
- Have certain medical conditions
- Take a blood thinner
- Can’t make follow-up visits to the provider or lack access to emergency care
- Have an allergy to the medicine used
If you did take the abortion pill, you should seek medical care if you experience foul-smelling vaginal discharge, fever lasting over 24 hours, severe abdominal or back pain, or heavy bleeding (soaking tow or more pads an hour for two hours).
Make an Informed, Safe Decision
Before making a decision, confirm your pregnancy with testing and an ultrasound scan. The scan will tell you how far along you are, the location of your pregnancy, and if your pregnancy is viable. These details will help you understand your next steps.
If the ultrasound scan discovers an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage, then seeking medical care for a follow-up or different course of action will be needed.
You should also make sure to get tested and treated for STDs as having one during an abortion procedure could risk spreading it further into your reproductive system. This is because abortion distrurbs the normal barrier created by the cervix.
How Chester County Connect Care Can Serve You
In addition to providing a safe and supportive environment, we offer no-cost pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, and pre-abortion consultations. We can also provide referrals for STI/STD testing.
Check out our list of free services and contact us to schedule a confidential appointment at one of our three locations in Chester County today.