If you’re considering medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill, you deserve to know the facts. Learn more about the facts below. We explore what the process looks like, who is eligible for it, and the risks involved.
At Pregnancy Care Center of Chandler, we can offer more information about your pregnancy options so you can move forward with clarity and safeguard your health. Our pregnancy services and support are free and confidential.
#1: There is more than one pill
There are two different drugs taken throughout the medical abortion process: mifepristone and misoprostol. They work together to terminate an existing pregnancy.
Misoprostol is taken first, which blocks the progesterone hormone and causes the uterus lining to thin, preventing the embryo from growing and staying attached to the uterus.
Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later after taking mifepristone, causing the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.
#2: It’s only recommended for 10 weeks
Are you over 10 weeks already? Medical abortion is only recommended by the FDA for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy. After this timeframe in pregnancy, taking the abortion pill could increase the risks and side effects significantly.
#2: There are risks to consider
As you may know, there are risks to your health with medical abortion. If you have questions, get the clarity you need by understanding all the potential risks. Some of the risks of medical abortion include:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, is also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
First, Confirm Your Pregnancy Details
To understand if medical abortion is for you, get clarity about your pregnancy details as a safeguard to your health.
We offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds if you receive positive test results with us. Schedule an appointment to meet with one of our client advocates and learn more about what’s next for you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.