Thinking about having a medication abortion after finding out you’re pregnant? It’s not an easy decision to make. While it seems like you can just take a pill and everything will go away, this idea is just not true.

Get the facts beforehand and understand all the health risks and side effects. We want to make sure you’re aware of the medication abortion process, so you can make an informed decision for your future. 

What to expect

There are two types of abortions: medication abortion and surgical abortion. Both terminate a pregnancy but use different procedures to do this. You may have heard of the term “abortion pill” used for medication abortion, but it actually consists of two abortion pills, each made of a different drug.

To be eligible for medication abortion, a woman must have an ultrasound to confirm her pregnancy is less than ten weeks. If this is the case, she will take the first pill, Mifeprex® This drug blocks the hormone progesterone which causes the lining of the uterus to thin and prevents the embryo from implanting and growing.

The second pill given is called Misoprostol. This drug causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina. The first drug will be taken in the medical clinic and the second at home, 24 to 48 hours later. A follow-up with a doctor about a week later is recommended to make sure the abortion is complete.

Side effects/risks of the abortion pill

There are many common side effects to know about before proceeding with this option. It’s normal to have one or many of these side effects after taking the abortion pill during a medication abortion:

• Nausea
• Vaginal bleeding
• Abdominal cramping
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Complications

It’s also possible to experience complications from the abortion pill. Potential risks and complications include:

• An undetected ectopic pregnancy, which can be dangerous and is a medical emergency
• An incomplete or failed abortion, where the fetus is viable or remains in the womb (this can cause serious infections)
• Blood clots remaining in the uterus 
• Heavy bleeding

Emergency Symptoms

Emergency symptoms of serious complications could include:

• Severe pain
• Excessively heavy bleeding (defined as going through two or more pads within an hour span)
• Strong-smelling vaginal discharge 
• Passing clots for two or more hours that are larger than the size of a lemon
• Fever

What should I do next?

After considering the side effects and health risks of medication abortion, it’s important to think it over. Explore and know all your options before making a decision. Make sure to also confirm your pregnancy. You can do this with a lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound. Our medical staff can confirm your pregnancy and inform you of any health risks unique to your pregnancy.

Schedule a Free Appointment

We do care about you and your future. If you want to talk more about your pregnancy options.

Contact us to schedule a free and confidential appointment.