If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may have heard about the abortion pill and wondered exactly what it is.
Many women begin researching their options online and come across terms like “medical abortion,” “chemical abortion,” or “the abortion pill.” Because there is so much information available and not all of it is easy to understand, you may still have questions about how the abortion pill works and what to expect.
Before making any pregnancy decision, it’s important to have accurate information. Understanding the abortion pill process, the potential risks, and the medical information you’ll need beforehand can help you make an informed decision about your next steps.
Read on to learn more about the abortion pill, or contact Cleburne Pregnancy Center to find a safe space to talk and learn about all your options.
What Drugs Are in the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill* is actually two different drugs that are used in combination to end a pregnancy.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for the pregnancy to continue. Without progesterone, the uterine lining begins to break down, and the pregnancy can no longer develop; this means the pregnancy will detach from the uterine lining and eventually end.
The second drug, misoprostol, is usually taken 24 to 48 hours later. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy from the body via uterine contractions.
The process generally takes place at home and may occur over several hours or even several days. And it’s important to know that you may see your pregnancy pass, which can be distressing for some women.
What Can I Expect During the Process?
Every woman’s experience is unique, but most women experience significant cramping and bleeding after taking misoprostol. For some women, the pain is severe.
Additional side effects may include:
- Upset stomach.
- Vomiting.
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Diarrhea.
- Headache.
What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
The drugs involved in the abortion pill regimen come with certain risks, which include:
Incomplete Abortion
An incomplete abortion occurs when parts of the pregnancy remain in the uterus. This is dangerous because it can lead to a potentially life-threatening infection known as sepsis.
Heavy Bleeding
Bleeding after taking the abortion drugs is expected, but excessive bleeding can become dangerous and may require emergency medical care. Signs of excessive bleeding include soaking through two or more maxi pads per hour for two consecutive hours.
Infection
Infection is a major risk associated with the abortion pill. Warning signs may include fever, chills, severe abdominal pain, foul-smelling discharge, or worsening symptoms rather than improvement.
Why Is an Ultrasound Important Before Taking the Abortion Pill?
Before considering the abortion pill, an ultrasound can provide important information about your pregnancy.
An ultrasound can determine:
- How far along you are
- Whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus
- Whether the pregnancy is viable
This information matters because the FDA approves the abortion pill through 10 weeks of gestation. Furthermore, an ultrasound can also identify an ectopic pregnancy, a potentially life-threatening condition that cannot be treated with abortion pills.
Having accurate information about your pregnancy helps ensure that you understand your options and any medical considerations.
Get the Facts Before You Decide
At Cleburne Pregnancy Center, we provide a safe, confidential place where you can learn more about your pregnancy, discuss your options, and receive accurate information about abortion, adoption, and parenting. We offer free pregnancy services so you can gather the information you need before moving forward.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Contact Cleburne Pregnancy Center today to schedule a confidential appointment and learn more about your pregnancy and options.
Cleburne Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions; however, we are committed to providing accurate information and resources.
*Abortion is currently illegal in Texas except in cases of life endangerment, but women cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for seeking one.