If you’re considering an early termination for your pregnancy, it’s important to have all the facts so you can make a fully-informed decision. The abortion pill has an FDA protocol that must be followed to be administered safely. Here’s how the abortion pill works and other information you should know!
How the abortion pill works
The “abortion pill” is actually a series of two pills. The regimen is prescribed by a doctor per FDA regulations for your safety and protection in case you have side effects outside the norm that need to be addressed.
The first pill, mifepristone, is taken at the doctor’s office. It causes fetal demise by blocking your body’s production of progesterone from reaching the fetus.
The second pill, misoprostol, is taken at least 24 hours later in your own home. Misoprostol causes contractions, cramping, and bleeding so your body can expel the pregnancy.
Possible side effects of the abortion pill
As with any medical procedure or medication, there are side effects associated with the abortion pill.
As your body prepares to pass the pregnancy, you may experience mild to extreme cramping. You’ll also likely experience mild to heavy bleeding and may feel nauseous or vomit. Other possible side effects include dizziness, back pain, pelvic pain, diarrhea, weakness, mild fever, and feeling tired.
If you experience extreme side effects or if they last longer than two weeks, you should let your doctor know immediately. You should also plan to follow up with your doctor 14 days after taking the second pill to make sure the medication worked correctly.
Everyone’s experience is different, and it’s also important to understand you may experience a range of emotional side effects as well. It’s common to feel regret, guilt, shame, embarrassment, anger, or sadness following your abortion. Our staff is available to sit down and talk with you if you’re experiencing hard emotions and would like help working through them.
Other important information about the abortion pill
The abortion pill is only available up until the 10th week of your pregnancy. After that, the pregnancy is too advanced and will require a surgical procedure.
The abortion pill is effective most of the time, but in rare cases it’s not 100% effective. A follow up with your doctor will reveal whether it was successful or not. If the procedure was not successful, you may need a surgical abortion depending on how far along you are at that point.
The doctor who prescribes the abortion pill may also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection and will provide information about pain medication if needed. He or she will also give you detailed instructions about when to take the second pill.
Ending a pregnancy is a serious and important decision, and you deserve all the facts before making that decision. If you’d like to talk with someone, need more information, or need help processing this choice, please contact us to schedule a free and confidential appointment.