You should know what to expect from the abortion pill before you decide to take it. Like any medical procedure or medication, the abortion pill can cause serious complications. It also has several side effects that may be alarming and distressing.
This blog will explain the abortion pill process and what you should expect after taking it. With this information, you can decide if a medication abortion is the best option for your pregnancy.
What should I expect from the abortion pill?
1. You will need to get an ultrasound first
You will need to get medical care before taking the abortion pill to avoid potentially life-threatening complications. You will also need to see a doctor to get a prescription for mifepristone and misoprostol, the medications used for the abortion.
Preventing abortion pill complications
It’s crucial to have an ultrasound before having an abortion. The ultrasound will reveal the gestational age of your pregnancy. The FDA has said it is only safe to use the abortion pill through the first 10 weeks (70 days) of pregnancy. Research shows that taking mifepristone after this point increases the risk of complications.
The ultrasound will also check to see if the pregnancy is in your uterus. In up to 5% of pregnancies, the embryo implants outside of the uterus. This is a serious condition called ectopic pregnancy. It is also called a tubal pregnancy if the pregnancy is in the fallopian tube.
The FDA warns that the abortion pill does not work for an ectopic pregnancy. Though the medication will end the pregnancy, it won’t remove the embryo. This tissue will remain in your body and may cause an infection if it isn’t removed.
At least two women have died after taking mifepristone with an ectopic pregnancy.
If the ultrasound is unable to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy, you may need to seek further medical care to protect your life and health. You can get a free ultrasound at our clinic.
Getting a prescription
Additionally, access to mifepristone is restricted under a Risk Evaluation and Management Strategy program. Because of its high risks, the FDA only allows certified healthcare professionals and pharmacies to offer the medication. You must get a prescription for the pills to make sure you are getting safe, regulated medication.
Some online sources sell and mail the abortion pill without asking for a prescription. These pills are often made outside of the U.S. You may not know where they came from and what they were made with. The FDA warns that they may not meet safety standards and says you shouldn’t buy mifepristone online.
For your safety, only accept or take medication that comes from a certified healthcare professional.
2. You will take the medication at home
For a chemical abortion, you will take mifepristone first, then take misoprostol later.
Though you will have the abortion at home, you shouldn’t experience it alone. An abortion will affect you both physically and emotionally. You should have at least one person nearby who knows about the abortion and is able to take you to the hospital if you need help.
Some women regret taking the abortion pill. If you experience regret or uncertainty, you may be able to stop the abortion. You may be able to use a treatment called Abortion Pill Reversal if you have only taken mifepristone and it has been less than 72 hours since taking the first dose.
We have helped patients successfully stop a pill abortion. If you have questions or need help, call our clinic at 407-208-9058.
3. You will likely experience side effects
The abortion pill causes several side effects that can be alarming if you aren’t prepared for them. These may include:
- Strong abdominal, stomach, and/or uterine pain and cramping
- Back pain
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea
Medication abortions also cause heavy bleeding. Most women bleed for a few weeks, but your bleeding may last for up to a month. Heavy bleeding also causes large blood clots. If the clots are larger than a lemon, you should contact your doctor or visit the emergency room.
Additionally, if you have a fever, severe pain, or you are bleeding through two or more pads every hour for at least two hours, you should get immediate medical attention.
Some women have reported passing and seeing a recognizable embryo during a chemical abortion. This can be emotionally traumatizing. If you need support after taking the abortion pill, you can call Option Line at 1-800-712-4357.
4. You may need another abortion procedure
Sometimes, the abortion pill fails to end the pregnancy. This might mean that you are still pregnant after taking the medication. Or, you might have ended the pregnancy but failed to pass all of the placental tissue. In these cases, you will need to undergo another procedure to prevent infection and complications.
Learn about the abortion pill at Thrive Orlando
Make an appointment today to get a free pregnancy test, ultrasound, and consultation.