If you are considering abortion after learning you are unexpectedly pregnant, getting all the facts before you make a decision is important.
There are several important facts about medical abortion, including how the process works, what steps are recommended beforehand, and the possible risks involved, that are not always widely discussed.
Rockingham Pregnancy Care Center offers free and confidential abortion information as well as pregnancy testing and ultrasound referrals to get you the medical information you need before you make a decision.
Schedule your free confidential appointment today.
1. There Are Two Drugs Involved
Despite the name abortion pill, medical abortion typically involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone, which is the hormone responsible for growing the pregnancy.
The second drug, misoprostol, is taken a few hours or days later and causes the uterus to expel the pregnancy. Side effects include bleeding and cramping. The intensity varies for each individual.
2. An Ultrasound Is Recommended Beforehand
A pregnancy test alone does not provide enough medical information to determine whether a medical abortion is appropriate. An ultrasound is an important step beforehand because it can confirm key details about your pregnancy, including how far along you are, where the pregnancy is located, and whether there is a detectable heartbeat.
Knowing the location of the pregnancy is important because it can help identify an ectopic pregnancy, this is where the pregnancy implants outside of the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies require urgent medical attention.
In some cases, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels (the hormone responsible for pregnancy) can remain elevated after a miscarriage, which may still produce a positive pregnancy test result. An ultrasound can help determine whether the pregnancy is continuing or if a miscarriage has already occurred.
The FDA approves the abortion pill through 10 weeks of gestation, which is another reason why confirming how far along you are with an ultrasound is an important part of the process.
3. Online Abortion Pills Can Be Risky
Some women consider ordering abortion pills online because it may feel more convenient or private. However, medications ordered online may not always come from regulated sources and lack medical oversight.
Medical evaluation with an ultrasound is not only important for your health, but also to make sure you don’t have any complications after taking the medication. This is why an in-person follow-up appointment is recommended.
4. Options May Be Available If You Change Your Mind
If you have taken the first drug, mifepristone, and changed your mind, the Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) may be an option. Timing is critical, and the process works by adding progesterone back into the body. The process is most successful when done within 72 hours after taking mifepristone.
If this is something you are considering, contact the 24/7 helpline to connect with a medical provider quickly.
5. There Is a Risk of an Incomplete Abortion
There are potential risks and complications that can come with a medical abortion, such as an incomplete abortion where the pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. This has to be treated quickly because the remaining tissue can cause complications such as infection.
An incomplete abortion can be caused by multiple factors, such as taking the drugs incorrectly or using the pills too far along in your pregnancy. These are other reasons why medical oversight and an ultrasound are so important.
Get The Information You Need
If you’re considering your options after an unexpected pregnancy, you don’t need to figure this out alone. We can provide you with no-cost options information about abortion, parenting, and adoption, in a confidential and pressure-free environment.
Learning about how each option works and the risks and considerations of each one can help you make an informed decision about your pregnancy from an empowered place.
We also offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasound referrals to give you the important details you need to take the next step. We are here for you.
Contact us today to make an appointment.