There are both serious and common side effects, along with risks to know about before proceeding with a medical abortion, also known as the abortion pill. It consists of taking mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate an existing pregnancy.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
There are two drugs involved in the abortion pill process (medical abortion): mifepristone and misoprostol.
First, mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin and preventing the embryo from staying attached to the uterine wall and growing. Second, misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.
Side Effects & Risks of the Abortion Pill
If you are going back and forth about the abortion pill, it’s vital to first understand how it could affect you physically.
The common side effects of the abortion pill, according to the Mayo Clinic, share the following in addition to vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping (which always occur):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
The Mayo Clinic also shares some of the following possible risks of medical abortion:
- The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical abortion.
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
- Infection.
- Fever.
- Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
Protect Your Health
The FDA only recommends medical abortion for women through 10 weeks of pregnancy. The only way to confirm how far along your pregnancy is is with an ultrasound.
First, get a no-cost pregnancy test at Elevier Women’s Center today. Our medical professionals will walk you through the process with one of our lab-quality pregnancy tests.
Once you’ve received positive results, we’re here to provide you with a limited obstetrical ultrasound so you can understand your pregnancy and your options. Schedule a no-cost appointment to learn more.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.