When facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be considering your options and wondering what a medical abortion (also called “the abortion pill”) involves. Knowing the facts about the process, potential side effects, and risks can help you protect your health.
Attleboro Women’s Health provides free and confidential services, including pregnancy consultations and ultrasounds with on-site affiliated medical professionals. These services provide you with the answers you need quickly, allowing you to move forward confidently.
Schedule an appointment today to speak with a member of our care team.
1: Medical Abortion Is FDA-Approved Only Through 10 Weeks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved medical abortion for use only through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Taking the abortion drugs beyond this timeframe may increase risks or reduce effectiveness. An ultrasound is the most accurate way to determine how far along you are and to identify potential options.
2: Medical Abortion Involves Two Drugs
Medical abortion typically uses two drugs. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the hormone that sustains pregnancy, while misoprostol causes bleeding and contractions that expel the pregnancy tissue.
Understanding how this process works is essential before making any decision.
3: Cramping and Bleeding Are Part of the Process
All women who take abortion drugs will experience bleeding and abdominal cramping. The intensity varies; some describe it as stronger than expected, even comparable to giving birth.
4: Other Side Effects and Risks Are Possible
In addition to the expected cramping and bleeding, side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or chills. Serious risks include:
- Fever
- Digestive symptoms (i.e., upset stomach)
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, potentially requiring surgical treatment)
5: Speaking With a Healthcare Provider Is Essential
Not everyone is eligible for a medical abortion. Women with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, or those using an IUD, blood thinners, or steroid medications, may face additional risks.
Speaking with a qualified healthcare provider is the safest way to evaluate your situation and personal health history.
6: Ordering Abortion Pills Online Carries Risks
The FDA has warned against purchasing abortion drugs online. Drugs from unregulated or overseas sources may not meet safety standards, could contain the wrong ingredients, or may not include accurate instructions.
Without medical oversight, you also risk taking the drugs too late in pregnancy or missing warning signs of serious complications, such as ectopic pregnancy.
You Deserve Trustworthy Information
Facing an unexpected pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Attleboro Women’s Health, our care team offers free and confidential services, allowing you to ask questions, explore your options, and receive the information you need in a safe and supportive environment. We also offer ultrasounds to confirm vital details for informed decision-making.
Schedule your appointment today.
FAQ:
Is a medical abortion the same as the abortion pill?
Yes. It typically refers to taking mifepristone followed by misoprostol.
Why does the FDA set a 10-week limit?
After 10 weeks, the risk of complications increases, and a surgical procedure is typically required.
Why do I need to talk with a healthcare provider first?
A healthcare provider can review your health history, medications, and conditions to determine whether you’re eligible for a medical abortion and explain the potential risks.
Does Attleboro Women’s Health provide abortions?
No. We do not provide or refer for abortions. We offer free and confidential services, including ultrasounds and pregnancy consultations, to help you make an informed decision.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.