Medical abortion is often described in a few short sentences online, but some details are easy to miss when you’re trying to understand the process quickly.
If you’re considering the abortion pill, Birthright of San Lorenzo can ensure all your questions are answered, help you confirm your pregnancy, and more.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment today if you want more information before making a decision, and keep reading to learn important facts about medical abortion.
#1: The Process Usually Happens at Home
A medical abortion uses two drugs. Mifepristone is taken first to block progesterone, the hormone needed to continue the pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Knowing what symptoms are expected and what symptoms require medical attention is important before taking either drug. Since you will be taking these drugs at home, a healthcare provider will not be physically present to provide guidance.
#2: Bleeding and Cramping Can Be Significant
Bleeding and cramping are part of a medical abortion, but the intensity varies. Some women report that the pain is more severe than they expected.
Some women also experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, or headache. Potential risks include heavy bleeding, infection, an incomplete abortion that requires additional treatment, or an ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work.
A provider can explain what warning signs to watch for and when you should seek urgent care.
#3: Timing Matters More Than Many People Realize
The abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
If you are relying only on the date of your last menstrual period, your estimate may not be exact, particularly if your cycles are irregular. An ultrasound can provide a more reliable estimate of gestational age.
It can also show whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus and whether the pregnancy is developing.
#4: An Ultrasound Can Reveal Details a Test Cannot
A pregnancy test detects hCG, but it cannot identify an ectopic pregnancy or confirm whether the pregnancy has already ended in miscarriage.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg implants in a location other than the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube. It requires emergency medical treatment and cannot be treated with abortion drugs. And if you’ve had a miscarriage, you may require monitoring or follow-up to avoid potential complications.
Birthright of San Lorenzo can provide referrals to local medical providers for a no-cost ultrasound so you can get those answers before making a decision. We offer this service following a positive pregnancy test with us.
Ask Questions Before Deciding
If you’re still researching medical abortion, be sure to learn what applies to your pregnancy and specific situation. You can make a confident decision with the facts in hand.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment with Birthright of San Lorenzo today to learn more. We’re here to help.
*Birthright of San Lorenzo does not provide or refer for abortions.
**All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
