The abortion pill is a combination of two powerful drugs that work together to terminate a pregnancy and expel it from the uterus.
If you’re thinking about this option, it’s essential to understand the side effects and risks to ensure you’re taking all the steps you can to protect your health.
This article will highlight the essentials you need to know. However, if you want to talk to someone in person about the abortion pill and learn more about free supportive services that are here to support you, contact Stillwater Life Services today to schedule a confidential appointment.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill, also called a “medical abortion,” involves taking mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is a progesterone blocker. Without this essential hormone, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, and your pregnancy will detach and eventually end.
Misoprostol is taken next. It causes your uterus to contract, expelling your pregnancy from your uterus and out through your vagina.
How Might I Feel After Taking the Abortion Drugs?
After taking the abortion drugs, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Some women report that the pain they feel is unexpectedly severe.
You might also experience the following side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
While side effects are common, risks are rare but can be life-threatening and include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)
How Can I Protect My Health?
Getting an ultrasound is the number one way to protect your health before making any pregnancy decision—including abortion.
This scan will give you the key details you need to know, including your pregnancy’s gestational age, which is essential information before seeking the abortion pills (since these drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under).
Learning about your options is the second step for protecting your health. At Stillwater Life Services, we’ve got you covered—we offer free, limited ultrasounds and options information to give you what you need to make an educated decision.
Contact us today. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.