A medical abortion, also known as the “abortion pill,” is a combination of two powerful drugs that work together to terminate and expel a pregnancy from your uterus.
If you’re considering a medical abortion for your pregnancy, it’s essential to learn all you can to protect your health and ensure you’re making an educated decision.
This article will explore how medical abortion works, the risks involved, and how to protect your health beforehand. But if you want to talk to someone about your pregnancy options and learn more about free resources, contact Stillwater Life Services to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
How Does a Medical Abortion Work?
Medical abortion involves taking two different drugs.
Mifepristone is taken first. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, your uterine lining will shed, causing the pregnancy to detach and end.
Misoprostol is taken next. It causes your uterus to contract, which expels your pregnancy from the uterus and through the vagina.
What Are the Risks of a Medical Abortion?
After taking the medical abortion drugs, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Some women report that the pain they felt afterward was unexpectedly intense.
The abortion drugs are associated with risks to your health, which include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
How Can I Protect My Health?
Getting an ultrasound is the number one way to protect your health before making any pregnancy decision. This scan will reveal your pregnancy’s gestational age, location, and viability, which helps ensure you’re not facing a potentially life-threatening complication like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage.
At Stillwater Life Services, we offer free, limited ultrasounds to give you the information you need to make a healthy, informed decision. Contact us today to schedule your confidential appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.