At Women’s Care Mary’s Center, we know that facing an unplanned pregnancy can be overwhelming. Get your questions answered today to help you make the best decision.
What is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill, otherwise known as a medical abortion, is a way to terminate a pregnancy involving two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks of pregnancy (70 days).
Typically, mifepristone is prescribed at an abortion clinic, and misoprostol is taken at home about 24 to 48 hours later. The FDA does not recommend ordering the abortion pill online for safety reasons.
The first pill blocks progesterone, a vital hormone for maintaining the interior of the uterus during pregnancy. After taking the first pill, the embryo will stop growing and die within a few days.
The second pill causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.
What are the side effects of the abortion pill?
The abortion pill has several possible side effects, including:
- Infection
- Fever
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding that will not stop
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
- Allergic reaction to the medications
How long will the bleeding last?
Heavy bleeding and heavy cramps will last several hours after taking the second pill. Continued bleeding, like the amount of a typical period, will happen for several days. Light to moderate bleeding may continue for several weeks.
When to Call Your Doctor
Contact your doctor immediately if:
- you have severe bleeding (filling more than two thick pads in one hour)
- you have signs of infection (fever longer than 24 hours, or foul-smelling vaginal discharge)
- severe abdominal pain / back pain
If you have any of these symptoms or other after taking the abortion pill, you think something is wrong, seek medical attention right away. As many as one in five women experience some kind of complication from the abortion pill.
When is it not okay to take the abortion pill?
According to the FDA, it is not safe to take the abortion pill if you:
- have had more than 10 weeks / 70 days pass since the first day of your last period
- have an ectopic pregnancy
- have problems with adrenal glands
- are currently being treated with long-term corticosteroid therapy (medications)
- have had an allergic reaction to mifepristone, misoprostol, or similar drugs in the past
- have bleeding problems, or are taking anticoagulant (blood thinning) drug products
- have inherited porphyria
- have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
Get the Facts, without the Judgment
Is it safe for me to have an abortion? Do I want to have an abortion? We provide free, confidential education about all your pregnancy options, as well as free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy. Schedule an appointment today.
Abortion Pill Reversal
Deciding whether to have an abortion is a difficult decision. Some women choose abortion in a moment of stress, and later regret their decision. If you’ve only taken the first dose of the abortion pill, it might not be too late to save your baby with abortion pill reversal.
Abortion pill reversal line: 1-877-558-0333