What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
There are serious side effects of the abortion pill. They may include the following:
- Bleeding, including blood clots
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Feeling faint
Any medication requires careful consideration, including taking the time to understand possible side effects. The abortion pill is no different. Keep reading to learn more before you decide to take it.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is a two-drug medication. It utilizes mifepristone to end the pregnancy, and misoprostol, to expel the pregnancy.
Mifepristone is taken at the abortion clinic and blocks progesterone, which is needed for the pregnancy to grow.
Misoprostol is taken hours or days later at home. It causes uterine cramping and contractions to expel the fetal remains.
The abortion pill process can cause pain and comes with many possible side effects.
What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
In addition to the side effects listed above, Mayo Clinic lists the following side effects that are possible after taking the abortion pill:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
If you experience these for an extended period of time, you should seek medical attention. Otherwise, other complications may arise.
Before You Take the Abortion Pill
The FDA has only approved the abortion pill through the first nine weeks of pregnancy. You’re at risk of an incomplete abortion if you take the drugs too late in your pregnancy.
You also need to know where your pregnancy is located. Sometimes embryos implant outside the uterus and these pregnancies are nonviable.
An ultrasound provides details about your pregnancy like how far along you are and where it is located so you can make an informed decision about what to do next.
We offer free ultrasounds at Assure Women’s Center. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
