If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may be overwhelmed by the information you find online about your options.

In your research, one of the solutions you’ll find is a medical abortion. Two drugs are prescribed to end a pregnancy. These drugs are also known as the abortion pill method. The FDA has approved these drugs up to 10 weeks of gestational age. 

Read this article for more information about the abortion pill, its potential risks, and recommended health screenings before an abortion procedure.

How Does it Work?

The first drug taken is mifepristone. This drug prevents the pregnancy from developing by blocking an essential hormone called progesterone. All pregnancies need progesterone to grow. Without this hormone, the pregnancy ends.

At least 24-48 hours later, the second drug, misoprostol, is taken. It forces the uterus to contract so the body can expel the fetus and pregnancy tissue.

What Are the Risks?

Potential risks of medical abortion include:

  • Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
  • An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fever
  • Digestive system discomfort

It’s also essential to ensure you are not taking certain other medications with mifepristone.

What Should I Do Before Starting The Abortion Pill?

Before starting a medication abortion, taking a pregnancy test is essential rather than relying on common pregnancy symptoms. Even if you have taken a home pregnancy test, it’s vital to get the results confirmed. 

After a positive pregnancy test result, you’ll also want to schedule an ultrasound. A pregnancy test only indicates the possibility of pregnancy, but an ultrasound verifies the pregnancy’s age and if it is viable (up to 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage).

Next Steps

Elevier Women’s Center offers no-cost pregnancy tests and ultrasounds so you can learn vital information about your pregnancy. 

Our medical team will give you the results of your pregnancy test and ultrasound and will answer any of your questions with medically-accurate information.

We provide a pressure-free environment to empower you to make the best decision for yourself. Contact us today!