Should I take the abortion pill?
If you’ve recently learned that you’re pregnant, this may be the top question on your mind. After all, swallowing a pill is an easy way to end your pregnancy, right?
Unfortunately, that’s not quite true. Medication abortions are more complicated—and potentially more dangerous—than just taking a pill.
Before taking the abortion pill regimen, or any medication, you should know how it works, what to expect, and whether you face increased risks. Only then can you have confidence in your safety.
Ask yourself these five questions before getting the abortion pill to make sure it is the right decision for your health.
5 questions to ask before taking the abortion pill
1. How far along am I?
The FDA has only approved the abortion pill through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. If you are farther along, there’s a higher chance that the medication either won’t end the pregnancy or will cause serious complications.
Given the potential risks, it’s critical to get an ultrasound to see how far along you are before taking the abortion pill.
The sonographer will measure the fetus during the ultrasound, using its size to accurately determine its gestational age. This is the only way to know if it’s safe for you to take the abortion pill. Other methods, such as using the date of your last period, aren’t always accurate, which may put your health at risk.
2. Am I at risk for serious complications?
If you are farther along than you think or past the 10-week limit, your risk of life-threatening side effects increases.
Every woman who takes the abortion pill experiences heavy bleeding, for example. Those who have a chemical abortion after 10 weeks of pregnancy, however, often experience bleeding so heavy that they need to be hospitalized.
Ectopic pregnancies are another serious concern. If the egg is implanted somewhere outside of your uterus, such as your fallopian tube, the abortion pill will end the pregnancy without removing the fetus. You can develop a life-threatening infection known as sepsis if the fetus remains inside your body.
An ultrasound will show where the fetus is located. You can then get immediate medical attention if you have an ectopic pregnancy.
There’s also the chance that you’ll have a bad reaction to either Mifepristone or Misoprostol, the two medications that make up the abortion pill. Never get a medication abortion without first talking to a medical professional.
3. What should I do if I experience serious side effects?
If you are experiencing serious side effects from the abortion pill, you should immediately call 911 or go to the emergency room. Life-threatening abortion pill side effects include:
- Bleeding through two or more maxi sanitary pads within an hour for at least two hours
- Blood clots that are larger than a lemon
- Serious infections, which may cause a fever, weakness, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, extreme dizziness, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, and/or stomach pain, nausea, or weakness that continues for more than 24 hours
- Ectopic pregnancy
Incomplete abortions are another serious risk. If you don’t pass the fetus or the abortion pill fails to terminate the pregnancy, you may need a surgical abortion as well.
If the abortion pill regimen works successfully, you will experience several side effects that are a normal part of the process. These symptoms include:
- Cramping – Misoprostol causes strong cramps to help you pass the fetus. Extremely strong cramping should stop within 48 hours, though you may continue to cramp for up to a few weeks.
- Bleeding – You will bleed heavily, much like a very heavy period, for up to 48 hours. This bleeding will include large clots and tissue from the pregnancy. You may experience milder bleeding for up to a few weeks after taking the abortion pill.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Low fevers
- Dizziness
- Chills
Your doctor may prescribe medication for the pain and nausea, as they are often intense during the process.
4. Where am I getting the abortion pill from?
If you’ve ordered the abortion pill online, do not take it!
The FDA can’t regulate medication that is sold online. The website might say that you’re getting Mifepristone and Misoprostol, but send you different or tainted medication. The FDA has even taken legal action against companies that are misleading women by selling the abortion pill online.
Given the risks of getting the abortion pill by mail or online, you should only get the abortion pill directly from a medical professional.
5. Can I change my mind after taking the abortion pill?
If you have only taken Mifepristone, the first medication in the abortion pill regimen, you may be able to stop your abortion. Call the Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline (1-877-558-0333) immediately to start your treatment. A doctor will prescribe the hormone progesterone to reverse the effects of the abortion pill.
This treatment doesn’t always work, however, so you shouldn’t take the abortion pill if you’re having doubts.
Instead, speak with a trusted loved one about your pregnancy, fears, and doubts. They can help you understand why you’re having doubts and what the best decision is.
ThriVe is a great way to learn about the abortion pill in Orlando as well. We will walk you through all of your options to help you make an informed choice about your pregnancy. You can then make a decision you feel confident and good about.
Book an appointment today to get a free pregnancy test, ultrasound, STD testing, and consultation.