If you’re in the early stages of pregnancy, you may be considering a medical abortion, often referred to as the abortion pill. Before moving forward, it’s essential to understand how the procedure works, the potential risks, and what to expect.
Knowing all the facts can help you make an informed decision about your health and future.
At Safe Harbor Women’s Medical Clinic, we provide no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds so you can confirm your pregnancy and explore all your options in a supportive environment.
How Does a Medical Abortion Work?
A medical abortion involves taking two drugs to end a pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for the pregnancy to continue. Without it, the pregnancy cannot progress. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24-48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract, expelling the pregnancy tissue.
These pills are typically prescribed at an abortion clinic, but they are taken at home, meaning the process happens without direct medical supervision.
What Are the Side Effects?
Medical abortion causes bleeding and cramping, but other side effects may include:
- Upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
While you can expect these symptoms, closely monitoring your health is essential, as complications may require immediate medical attention.
What Are the Risks?
Though medical abortion is a non-surgical procedure, it still carries potential risks and complications, including:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion (this may require surgical treatment)
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach
Get the Information & Care You Need
Before considering an abortion, it’s important to confirm your pregnancy and determine key details such as how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is progressing, and its location. Safe Harbor Women’s Medical Clinic provides no-cost lab-quality pregnancy tests and limited ultrasounds to help you get the answers you need.
Schedule a no-cost appointment today and receive compassionate, confidential care as you explore your options.
Safe Harbor Women’s Medical Clinic does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.