Considering the Abortion Pill?
Before taking the abortion pill, first confirm your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test and find out how far along you are with a limited OB ultrasound. From there, you will have a better idea of your options based upon how far along you are.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill, also known as medical abortion or chemical abortion, is used to end an early pregnancy up to 10 weeks. The abortion pill is a combination of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone – Mifepristone is the first drug taken in the abortion pill regimen. This drug blocks progesterone, a natural hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue, to end the pregnancy.
Misoprostol – Misoprostol is the second abortion pill taken. This drug causes the uterus to contract and prepares the body to expel the pregnancy.
How Late Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill can be taken up to 10 weeks (or 70 days from the first day of your last menstrual period). If you are past 10 weeks, it becomes less effective. If you take the abortion pill later on in your pregnancy, you could experience serious complications and may need emergency surgery to complete the procedure.
Do I Need an Ultrasound Before Taking the Abortion Pill?
Yes. For your health and safety, an ultrasound is a crucial first step before thinking about taking the abortion pill. An ultrasound can alert you of anything abnormal about your pregnancy which could affect the abortion pill process and your body. It also helps you determine what type of abortion you are eligible for.
Is Ordering the Abortion Pill Online Safe?
For safety reasons, the FDA advises against purchasing abortion pills online. Many online abortion pill providers are located outside of the United States, so the pills they provide may not meet FDA standards. These pills could be counterfeit, expired, or tampered with.
Abortion Pill Facts
- Side effects can include heavy bleeding, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and cramping
- If the abortion pill fails, a surgical abortion will be required
- The abortion pill is not the same as the Morning After Pill
- Most medical abortions are completed within 2 weeks, but can take up to 3 to 4 weeks
Make an appointment to get more abortion education to make an informed pregnancy decision today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the abortion pill?
Abortion pill costs vary by provider, location, pregnancy length, insurance coverage, and whether laboratory testing, ultrasound, or follow-up care is included. Ask the abortion provider exactly what the quoted price covers.
Parkville Women’s Clinic offers pregnancy evaluations, so you can learn more about your pregnancy, including how far along you are, if the baby is in the uterus, and if the baby has a heartbeat. We do not provide or refer for abortions.
Do abortion pills always work?
The abortion pill is not guaranteed to work in every case. Its effectiveness varies with gestational age. Some women need additional medication or a procedure to complete the abortion.
Cramping and bleeding are expected, while excessive bleeding, ongoing pregnancy, infection, or other serious complications require medical evaluation.
Mifepristone does not treat an ectopic pregnancy. Knowing your estimated gestational age and discussing ectopic pregnancy symptoms and risk factors with a qualified medical professional are important.
Schedule an ultrasound to find out how far along you are and obtain additional information about your pregnancy.
Does the abortion pill hurt?
Cramping and bleeding are expected during medication abortion. Pain ranges from mild to severe and can be stronger than a typical menstrual period. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chills, headache, dizziness, and fatigue may also occur. Ask the prescribing provider what symptoms to expect, how to manage pain, and when to seek emergency care.
If you are worried about what the experience would be like, book your free appointment to get more abortion information.
What to expect after the abortion pill?
Bleeding and cramping commonly begin after the misoprostol pill and may be heavier than a typical period. Lighter bleeding or spotting may continue afterward. Follow-up is important to confirm that the pregnancy has ended and to evaluate symptoms of ongoing pregnancy, infection, or excessive bleeding.
Seek immediate medical care for symptoms such as soaking two full-size pads per hour for two consecutive hours, severe pain that is not improving, fainting, difficulty breathing, or feeling very ill. Follow the emergency instructions provided by the prescribing clinician.
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