What to know before taking the abortion pill
When considering an abortion, a woman should be given options in an informative, pressure-free environment. If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s important that you know you are not alone as you navigate this journey and that you’re armed with information.
Read below to learn more about the abortion tablet and the important steps you can take to protect your health before the procedure.
Abortion Pill
HOW DOES THE ABORTION TABLET WORK?
The abortion tablet consists of a regimen of two different drugs, which require a doctor’s prescription (via telehealth appointment or an in-person visit). The first tablet, taken orally, is mifepristone, which works as an antiprogestin. An antiprogestin prevents progesterone, an essential pregnancy hormone, from reaching the placenta of the pregnancy, so that the pregnancy stops growing.
After 24-48 hours the second drug, misoprostol, is taken, and it works to contract your uterus so all the fetal tissue and uterine lining is expelled.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS IF I TAKE THE ABORTION TABLET?
If you take the abortion tablet, you can expect a certain level of discomfort, although the intensity does vary from person to person. The medications used in a medical abortion cause vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. They may also cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Make sure to also check the following list for any pre-existing conditions that could disqualify you from an abortion:
- Are too far along in your pregnancy (later than 10 weeks).
- Have an intrauterine device (IUD).
- Have an ectopic pregnancy.
- Have certain medical conditions. These include bleeding disorders; certain heart or blood vessel diseases; severe liver, kidney or lung disease; or an uncontrolled seizure disorder.
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications.
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your doctor or don’t have access to emergency care.
- Have an allergy to the medications used.
SCHEDULE THE ULTRASOUND
If you’re considering a medical abortion, you’ll first want to schedule an ultrasound to verify that you are not too far along (fewer than 10 weeks) and eliminate the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy (located outside of the uterus).
At the Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic, we do not prescribe the abortion pill but we do offer no-cost ultrasounds in a compassionate and confidential environment. Contact us today to get the information you need today to make the best decision for your health and future.
