If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and are considering taking the abortion pill, it’s critical to understand how it works and the associated risks to protect your health.
Read on to learn more about the abortion pill and how you can protect your health. Or, if you want to talk to someone about your pregnancy, contact Pregnancy Center West today to be connected to one of our caring team members. All appointments and resources are free and confidential.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is actually a combination of two different powerful drugs that work together to terminate and expel a pregnancy from the uterus.
The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone, which is a hormone that’s essential for maintaining a pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, causes your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy from your uterus.
How Might I Feel Physically After Taking the Abortion Pill?
The abortion drugs will cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. However, they can also include other physical symptoms, which include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?
The risks associated with the abortion drugs are rare, but they can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. The risks of the abortion drugs 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?
Certain situations, like being too far along in your pregnancy or having an ectopic pregnancy, can make you more likely to experience a risk—which puts your health in jeopardy.
The best way to protect your health before an abortion is by receiving an ultrasound. This scan is the only reliable way to help determine the age of your pregnancy and its location.
At Pregnancy Center West, we care about your health, which is why we offer free limited ultrasounds. Contact us today to schedule your confidential appointment. You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here for you.
