When you find out you’re pregnant, it’s natural to look for answers. Information about abortion pills is easy to find, but it can raise questions about how they work, potential risks, and whether they’re appropriate for your situation. Understanding these details can help bring clarity as you consider your next steps.
At the Pregnancy Care Center of Chandler, we offer free and confidential services, including pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and one-on-one guidance. Our team is here to offer accurate information and a supportive space where you can ask questions and better understand your options.
Reach out to schedule an appointment today.
How Abortion Pills Work
The abortion pill refers to a medical abortion, which involves a two-step drug process, using mifepristone and misoprostol.
- Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed to support pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy can no longer continue developing.
- Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract, leading to abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding as the body pushes out the pregnancy and related tissue.
Abortion pills are FDA-approved for use during early pregnancy, through 70 days of gestation. Beyond this timeframe, another type of abortion may be considered safer for your situation.
Common physical effects include abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which are a given. Some people also experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or chills.
Risks and Important Considerations
As with any medical process, abortion pills carry potential risks. These can include:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding, such as soaking through two or more pads per hour for two consecutive hours
- Infection, which can become serious if not treated
- Ongoing side effects, such as digestive discomfort or fever
Medical abortion is not recommended for everyone. It may not be an option if you are beyond early pregnancy, have an IUD in place, have a suspected ectopic pregnancy, certain health conditions (e.g. anemia, heart disease, chronic adrenal failure), drug allergies, take a blood thinner or certain steroid medicines, or lack access to follow-up or emergency care.
Why an Ultrasound Matters
Before considering abortion pills, confirming key medical details is essential. An ultrasound provides information that cannot be determined through symptoms alone, including:
- The gestational age of the pregnancy (how far along you are)
- Confirming the pregnancy is located in the uterus (not ectopic)
- Assess viability, indicating whether the pregnancy is continuing or if a miscarriage has already occurred
Some factors, including gestational age and pregnancy location, affect safety and whether or not the abortion pills will work or be more likely to cause complications.
An ultrasound helps confirm your pregnancy details, so decisions are based on accurate medical information and not estimates.
Find Support at Pregnancy Care Center of Chandler
You don’t have to navigate your pregnancy alone.
The Pregnancy Care Center of Chandler offers free, confidential pregnancy services and a supportive space to talk through your questions. Our team provides compassionate guidance to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment today to talk with our caring team and get clear answers in a calm, respectful setting.
The Pregnancy Care Center of Chandler does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.