It sounds easy enough, doesn’t it? Take a pill and your worries are gone. However, an abortion of any kind is a serious medical decision. Although “abortion pill” is the popular name given to this procedure by an abortion clinic, it is not one pill, and it is not as simple as you might initially think. Anytime your body goes through a major change with medicine or surgery, there are serious side effects. Here is what to expect if you choose the abortion pill method.
The Abortion Pill Procedure
There are two types of abortion: Chemical and surgical. The abortion pill method is known as a chemical or medical abortion. It is also called RU-486. There are time restrictions for a woman to be able to have this procedure; usually, only women less than 10 weeks into their pregnancy are eligible.
The abortion pill is a two-step process that must begin with a clinic visit. Only a licensed doctor is legally allowed to distribute the medication. Before the abortionist can begin the procedure, you should have an ultrasound. The ultrasound determines how far along you are in your pregnancy, and if your pregnancy is viable. A viable pregnancy means a heartbeat is detected and the fetus is growing.
The Drugs You Take for a Chemical Abortion
Once you have had an ultrasound and determined your pregnancy is less than 10 weeks along, you can begin the abortion pill procedure. The first pill, Mifepristone (Mifeprex®), blocks the production of the hormone progesterone which is commonly referred to as the “pregnancy hormone.” Progesterone helps the fertilized egg implant on the wall of your uterus. Mifepristone causes the lining of the uterus to thin and prevents the fetus from staying implanted.
After taking the first pill, Misoprostol is prescribed to be taken at home. This drug can be taken within hours or even days after the Mifepristone. Misoprostol causes your body to cramp to expel the fetus.
Risks and Side Effects of the Abortion Pill
It is vital to be under a doctor’s supervision when considering any abortion. Ask beforehand what the doctor’s qualifications are and if they can help you in case of complications. Make sure they know your health history, too.
Potential risks of the abortion pill method include:
- Severe abdominal cramping and possible back pain as you pass the fetus should be expected.
- Heavy bleeding with blood clots also occurs due to passing the fetus.
- A fever, which could indicate a pelvic infection, should be checked by a medical professional.
- Occasionally, your medical abortion is incomplete, and you will have to return to finish the procedure surgically.
- If you have an IUD, take a blood thinner, have certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, or uncontrolled seizures, you should not have a medical abortion.
Other Side Effects
An abortion has emotional as well as physical side effects. Often, women describe feelings of guilt, shame, and sadness after an abortion. Some women become very depressed and begin to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. In some cases, post-abortion feelings can last a lifetime, so counseling is extremely important to work through your emotions.
Where to Begin
First, by calling this method the “abortion pill,” there is already confusion and misunderstanding. At First Care Clinic, we can help you understand this procedure or other abortion procedures fully. In addition, we can confirm your pregnancy with our free pregnancy testing. If you receive a positive result, we can also perform a free ultrasound to tell you how far along your pregnancy is.
We offer the help you need from professionals who truly care. Schedule an appointment today. We can sit down and discuss your life situation and all your options for your unplanned pregnancy. You do not have to do this alone. We are here for you!