Understanding Abortion Pills: What to Know
Abortion pills are the topic of news and politics, and also presented as the easy abortion option. But how much do you know about how the abortion pills work? If you’re considering taking abortion pills, it’s essential to protect your health and safety by learning as much as you can before you take them. This blog can help!
At Assure Women’s Center, we provide free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and confidential consultations so you can better understand your options before making a choice. Here’s what you should know about abortion pills.
How Abortion Pills Work
Despite the commonly used “abortion pill”, this type of abortion involves a two-step process. The first pill, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone your body needs for pregnancy to continue. Without it, the pregnancy stops progressing.
The second pill, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This process leads to cramping and bleeding that can be heavier than a typical period.
The abortion pill is FDA-approved for use only up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Beyond that point, effectiveness decreases and risks increase.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
Along with heavy bleeding and cramping, women often experience other side effects like nausea, chills, diarrhea, or fatigue. There are also medical risks to consider, including:
- An incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical procedure
- Infection
- Prolonged or heavy bleeding
- A fever that could indicate a severe infection
Understanding these risks is an important part of protecting your health.
Why an Ultrasound Is Important First
Before taking abortion pills, getting an ultrasound is a crucial step. An ultrasound can:
- Confirm if you are pregnant or if your body has naturally miscarried
- Show how far along you are, which is vital since the abortion pills after 10 weeks can be dangerous
- Detect if the pregnancy is ectopic, which is when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus and requires emergency care
At Assure Women’s Center, we offer free, limited obstetric ultrasounds so you can have this information before moving forward.
You’re Not Alone
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Assure Women’s Center, we provide a safe, confidential place to talk through your options, ask questions, and receive compassionate care.
Schedule your free appointment today. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
All information cited in this blog was accurate at the time of publishing.
