Finding yourself at a crossroads and contemplating a medical abortion can be overwhelming. You might have many questions and a swirl of emotions as you consider your next steps.
It’s essential to gather all the information you need to make a choice that feels right for you. We’ll walk you through what a medical abortion involves, from the drugs used to the process itself and what you might experience along the way.
About Medical Abortion
Medical abortion is commonly referred to as “the abortion pill.” The procedure involves taking two powerful drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to terminate a pregnancy.
Mifepristone works by blocking the pregnancy hormone progesterone. Mifepristone is then used to cause uterine contractions and expel the contents of the uterus.
It’s a process that is only used early in pregnancy. The FDA only approves medical abortion through ten weeks gestation age (how far along you are).
What You Might Expect
Medical abortions are typically done at home. Many women report the pain as being more severe than they expected. You will also experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding after taking the drugs.
Other side effects may occur, such as headaches, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
As with any major medical procedure, there are risks to be aware of going into it. These include:
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)
Get The Care You Deserve
First Choice Women’s Center provides no-cost support such as pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, material resources, and more.
We’re also here to provide you with information about all your options regarding your unexpected pregnancy. Talk with our caring team, who can offer the resources to empower you to make a confident decision.
Make a confidential appointment here.