If you’ve recently discovered you are unexpectedly pregnant, you may be looking for information about the abortion pill and what it involves. Understanding how the abortion pill works, along with its potential risks, can help you make an informed decision.
Before making any pregnancy decision, an ultrasound can provide important medical details about your pregnancy that may impact both your health and your available options.
Life Choices is here to help you confirm your pregnancy, offering free pregnancy testing and limited obstetric ultrasounds with our trained nurse. After your pregnancy is confirmed, we can provide you with accurate information about your pregnancy options.
Schedule an appointment with our team today.
How Abortion Pills Work
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, consists of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to support a pregnancy.
The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through bleeding and cramping.
The abortion pill is approved by the FDA for use through 10 weeks of gestation.
The Side Effects and Risks
The side effects of the abortion pill include significant cramping and bleeding. Some women describe the cramping as more severe than they expected, although every woman’s experience is different.
There are also potential risks to be aware of, which include:
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- An incomplete abortion
- Infection
- Fever
The FDA also warns against ordering abortion pills online, since they can come from unverified sources and lack medical oversight.
Why an Ultrasound Matters
An ultrasound provides three important details that can affect your health and options. These include:
- The location – Some pregnancies can implant outside of the uterus, which is known as an ectopic pregnancy. This condition needs urgent medical attention and is not a viable pregnancy. It cannot be treated with the abortion pill.
- The gestational age – The abortion pills are only approved through ten weeks of gestation; taking them beyond this timeframe could increase the chances of complications.
- The viability – Detected by a heartbeat, this tells you if a miscarriage may have already occurred, since it is possible to receive a positive test result even after pregnancy loss.
Find Support at Life Choices
We are here for you during this difficult period. Our team at Life Choices can offer you free pregnancy services and information about your options: parenting, adoption, and abortion in a confidential and safe environment.
Contact us to make an appointment.
If you have already begun the abortion pill process but regret your decision, call 877-558-0333 or go to AbortionPillReversal.com now.
Life Choices does not provide or refer for abortions.