A medical abortion is a non-surgical way to end an early pregnancy, typically within the first 10 weeks. It uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken at different times. You might also hear this referred to as the abortion pill.
At our center, we offer free ultrasounds to help confirm how far along you are so that you can take a confident next step.
How Does it Work?
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone needed to support a pregnancy. Without receiving progesterone, the uterine lining breaks down, and the pregnancy stops growing.
About 24 to 48 hours later, the second drug, misoprostol, is taken. This induces the uterus to contract and expel the fetus and pregnancy-related tissue.
What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the potential side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Digestive discomfort
- Diarrhea
- Headache
What are the Risks of a Medical Abortion?
Potential risks of medical abortion include:
- An incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure fails
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Schedule a No-Cost Ultrasound
It’s a good idea to schedule an ultrasound before an abortion to understand your health and your options better. At Pregnancy Help Center, we offer no-cost limited ultrasounds that provide important details about your pregnancy:
- Gestational Age: Knowing how far along you are matters, since medical abortion is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks. An ultrasound helps clarify what options are available to you.
- Pregnancy Viability: About 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. An ultrasound can confirm if the pregnancy is still developing or if you may need a different type of care.
- Pregnancy Location: If a pregnancy implants outside the uterus, called an ectopic pregnancy, it can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
We’re here to help equip you to make a confident decision by providing evidence-based information. Contact us today!
