Has an unplanned pregnancy thrown you for a loop? Are you questioning if you should get an abortion?
Discussing your options with an informed advocate can bring clarity to what’s best for you and your pregnancy. If you’ve been wondering what a medical abortion is or how it works, this blog is for you!
How Does A Medical Abortion Work?
You’ve probably heard of the abortion pill. A medical abortion and the abortion pill are one in the same.
To qualify for a medical abortion, women must be no more than 10 weeks pregnant. An ultrasound is recommended to confirm how far along a pregnancy is and ensure women receive the quality care they deserve.
A medical abortion uses a combination of the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate a pregnancy. Mifepristone is taken first and begins the termination process by blocking progesterone. Progesterone is a hormone that supports the pregnancy; without it the pregnancy will die.
Around 24-48 hours after mifepristone, misoprostol is taken to expel the pregnancy from the uterus. Women should expect heavy bleeding and to feel strong cramping much like with a period. Typically the pregnancy is passed in 4-5 hours but it can take up to two days for some women to pass their pregnancy.
Side Effects To Be Aware Of
As with any medication, a medical abortion may cause adverse reactions in some women. Side effects of the medications may include nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea or headaches.
Risks To Understand
Complications or risks associated with a medical abortion are rare. However, severe complications following a medical abortion have been documented and women should be aware of the risks before undergoing the procedure.
Documented risks following a medical abortion include an incomplete abortion, prolonged bleeding, Infection, fever, and digestive system discomfort.
Next Steps
At Lifechoices, we strive to empower our clients by answering their questions and providing the resources they need for their unique situations. Our client advocates offer 1-on-1 meetings for women to learn more about abortion, adoption, parenting, and STDs, and so much more.
Call 720-453-9908 to schedule a free and confidential appointment today!