If you’re considering taking the abortion pill to end your pregnancy, it’s important to take time to learn about the potential risks you might encounter and steps to take to insure your health and safety along the way.
Life Choices is here to help you navigate your unplanned pregnancy and provide you with the insight you need to make an informed choice for your future.
Here are the main risks related to the abortion pill to consider before scheduling your appointment:
1. The abortion pill can lead to severe infections and septic shock
Medical abortions can lead to serious infections, sepsis, and septic shock as a result of existing infections spreading to other parts of the body or retained fetal tissue left in the uterus. Infections can lead to fever and abdominal pain, but can also be present without any symptoms.
2. Medical abortions can lead to hemorrhaging and prolonged uterine bleeding
An effective medical abortion will involve some levels of cramping and bleeding as the uterus contracts and rids itself of the pregnancy tissue. However, heavy and prolonged bleeding may be a sign of abortion complications, like an incomplete abortion.
According to the FDA, patients who have soaked through “two thick full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours” should seek medical attention immediately to prevent further bleeding and hemorrhaging.
3. The abortion pill can lead to an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease
The abortion pill can lead to an increased risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which can lead to long-term health conditions, such as abscesses, pelvic pain, and fertility issues. Women who are infected with chlamydia at the time of their abortion are 23% more likely to develop PID, as well as women who attempt to flush the vagina with fluids following a medical abortion.1
4. Abortion complications can lead to blood clots blocking the cervix
If the medical abortion fails to cause contractions to pass the pregnancy tissue, the cervix can become blocked with blood clots. As the uterus fills with blood, it will become swollen and tender, causing intense cramping and nausea.
5. The abortion pill should be avoided completely under certain health conditions
The Mayo Clinic states that women should not attempt a medical abortion under the following circumstances:
- A pregnancy that is further than nine weeks gestation
- Patients with an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Patients with a bleeding disorder, heart or blood vessel disease, seizure disorders, or liver, kidney, or lung disease
- Patients taking a blood thinner or certain steroid medications
- If a patient doesn’t have access to emergency follow-up care in case of complications
- Allergies to certain medications used
How to know if the abortion pill is safe for you
The abortion pill is a serious medical procedure and in order to know if it is the safest option for you, it’s essential to take time to learn about your health and unique pregnancy conditions.
We recommend scheduling a free appointment with your local pregnancy clinic to receive the necessary pre-abortion screenings, including an ultrasound. Your ultrasound will confirm the age, location, and viability of your pregnancy, providing more insight into your body, pregnancy, and the effects the abortion pill might have.
Schedule your free appointment at Life Choices today!