The abortion pill, or medical abortion, is the process of terminating an early pregnancy with two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol.

All drugs and medical procedures come with side effects and risks. Before moving forward with an abortion, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks so you can make an informed choice for your health and your future.

Are you interested in talking in person and receiving a free ultrasound to learn critical pregnancy details? Schedule a free appointment with Azar House today. 

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The name “abortion pill” isn’t entirely accurate because it consists of two drugs, which could be prescribed as multiple pills. However, it is the common name for a medical abortion.

Typically, a woman will start the process by taking the first drug, mifepristone, in an abortion clinic or office. This drug will block progesterone, an essential hormone during pregnancy. As a result, the pregnancy will end.

Then, hours or days later, a woman will take misoprostol to trigger uterine contractions that cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. The contractions will expel the pregnancy and related tissue from the uterus.

What Are the Potential Side Effects and Risks?

Women can expect abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding after taking the abortion pill.

Some other potential side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and headache.

The potential risks of the abortion pill include: 

• An incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed up by a surgical procedure
• An ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding
• Infection
• Fever
• Digestive system discomfort

There are also certain conditions that would make the abortion pill unsafe and could lead to a greater chance of experiencing risks. These include being too far along in your pregnancy (beyond ten weeks gestation), having an allergy to the drugs, taking certain medications, and having certain health conditions.

Protect Your Health and Safety

In addition to learning about the procedures and risks, you can protect your health with an ultrasound scan. 

This safe scan will reveal critical details about your pregnancy, such as how far along you are, the location of your pregnancy, and whether or not your pregnancy is progressing with a heartbeat.

Schedule an appointment at Azar House for no-cost early pregnancy services. We will help you receive an ultrasound and answer your questions.