Medical abortion is just one option for your unexpected pregnancy, and it’s crucial to know the risks and side effects involved.
Care Net LVNM is here for you. Our compassionate and nonjudgmental team will help you confirm your pregnancy and discuss your options.
Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today to learn more. We’ll help you find clarity.
What Happens During a Medical Abortion?
You may have heard of medical abortion or the “abortion pill” before. Both terms refer to the same method of taking abortion drugs to end a pregnancy.
Medical abortion is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation. Taking abortion drugs after this time is not recommended.
Additionally, certain factors may make a person ineligible for the procedure, including:
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- Having a suspected ectopic pregnancy
- Having certain medical conditions, including anemia, certain bleeding disorders, chronic adrenal failure, certain heart or blood vessel diseases, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Taking a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines
- Don’t have access to emergency care
- Have an allergy to the drugs used
Two drugs are used during this process. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone essential to the pregnancy’s growth and development. Without progesterone, the uterine lining thins, and the pregnancy detaches from the uterus and ends.
Misoprostol is taken next. This drug causes the uterus to contract, which expels the pregnancy and related tissue from the body.
What Are the Side Effects?
Taking medical abortion drugs will cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which can be severe.
However, other side effects can occur, which include:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Possible Risks
Every woman’s situation is unique, and risks can happen during a medical abortion procedure. It is crucial to discuss these risks with a healthcare provider before making a decision:
- Incomplete abortion (the body does not release all the pregnancy tissue–this may require surgical treatment)
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
Helping You Find Answers
Care Net LVNM wants you to make a confident decision that considers your health and well-being. After you receive a positive pregnancy test at our center, we’ll provide an ultrasound referral to medically confirm your pregnancy.
We’ll also discuss your pregnancy options, including abortion. You deserve accurate medical information to make an informed choice.
Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment today.
Care Net LVNM does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Note: All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.