The abortion pill is sometimes called a medical abortion, chemical abortion, at-home abortion, or the period pill. It involves two different drugs to end and expel a pregnancy.
Let’s take a look at how the abortion pill works, the potential risks and side effects, and important steps you should take before seeking any abortion procedure.
How does the abortion pill work?
The abortion pill regimen typically involves two sets of drugs. The first is a single pill – mifepristone. The first pill ends the pregnancy by blocking a hormone – progesterone – that the pregnancy needs to continue. Progesterone nourishes a new pregnancy.
The second drug is taken as a set of pills – misoprostol – which causes bleeding and contractions to expel the contents of the pregnancy from the uterus.
If you are considering taking the abortion pill, it’s important to understand how the procedure works. Also, click here for various resources available to women like you who are researching abortion.
Can the abortion pill be taken at any time during pregnancy?
The abortion pill is currently FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks gestational age (70 days).
If you are considering taking the abortion pill, it is important to confirm the gestational age and location of your pregnancy. For example, the risk of needing additional surgery after taking the abortion pill increases the further along the pregnancy is, or your pregnancy may be ectopic which is a life-threatening condition.
The gestational age and location of the pregnancy implantation can be determined by ultrasound. Contact Waterleaf Women’s Center for a free pregnancy test and ultrasound.
Is Taking the Abortion Pill Painful?
Discomfort is expected from the abortion pill. The severity of discomfort can vary.
One study of teens and adults who took the abortion pill observed over 50% of the women “experienced severe pain.” Another study reported 38% experienced “severe pain.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, the abortion pill may also cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Are There Risks Associated with the Abortion Pill?
Here is a list of potential risks listed by the Mayo Clinic:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
Additionally, the abortion pill should be avoided if you have any of the following pre-existing conditions which pose an additional risk:
- An intrauterine device (IUD)
- Allergies to the medications used in the abortion pill regimen
- Heart, blood vessel, liver, kidney, or lung diseases
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Use of blood thinners or steroid medications
Next Steps
Waterleaf Women’s Center offers no-cost ultrasounds, which provide crucial information about your pregnancy.
Ultrasounds are helpful so you know how far along you are and alert you to any possible health complications, such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. Both of these conditions would require medical attention other than an elective abortion.
If you’ve recently taken the abortion pill and changed your mind – contact a medical professional about Abortion Pill Reversal here.
Waterleaf provides a safe, confidential space for you to ask questions, learn about your options and local resources, and feel equipped to make the best decision for you. We are here to help you navigate your pregnancy journey. Call/Text Waterleaf confidentially at 630-360-2256 (CALM) today or contact us securely online. You are not alone!