The abortion pill is a method that uses drugs to end a pregnancy. Understanding this option will help you sort through possible pregnancy decisions and make one that best protects your health and well-being.
Request an appointment today at Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County to learn about your options. In the meantime, keep reading to get the facts on the abortion pill.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
Perhaps you’ve heard of “medical abortion.” This is just another term for the abortion pill; it terminates a pregnancy with two drugs called mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first, and it blocks a hormone called progesterone. This hormone supports the pregnancy’s growth and development, so without it, the pregnancy will detach from the uterine lining and end.
Misoprostol is taken next. This drug expels the pregnancy and related tissue from the uterus through uterine contractions.
As the drugs work together to end the pregnancy and expel it from the body, abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding occur. Women may have other side effects, including upset stomach, headache, and fever.
There is more to consider as you explore your options, including the risks associated with the abortion pill and how eligibility is determined.
Understanding the Risks
All procedures carry risks, and taking abortion drugs is no different. The abortion pill is associated with the following risks:
- Digestive symptoms
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (the body may not release all the pregnancy tissue, which may need surgical treatment)
Though risks don’t always happen, knowing them is vital to making a sound decision. Understanding who may and may not be able to take the abortion pill is also critical.
Determining Eligibility and Protecting Your Health
Not everyone is eligible for the abortion pill. First, know that the FDA has approved abortion drugs through 10 weeks gestation. Taking them after this time is not recommended and could affect a woman’s health.
Additionally, other factors could make someone ineligible for the procedure, including:
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD) actively in place
- Taking a blood thinner or specific steroid medications
- Having an ectopic pregnancy
- Having certain medical conditions like anemia, chronic adrenal failure, heart or blood vessel diseases, bleeding disorders, severe liver, kidney, or lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Having an allergy to the drugs used
- Not having access to emergency care
If you are considering the abortion pill, it’s essential to discuss your medical history with a healthcare provider and receive an ultrasound. Your provider can assess your specific situation, while an ultrasound will provide key pregnancy details that help identify your options.
It can be challenging to know where to begin when you’re unexpectedly pregnant. Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County will help you make a clear and thoughtful decision—no judgment, just the facts.
Learn More Today
We’re here to help you process your unexpected pregnancy news. From options consultations to limited obstetrical ultrasounds, our services allow you to gather information for your future.
Request a free appointment to get started.
Pregnancy Resources of Delaware County does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
