An unexpected pregnancy can bring about feelings of panic and stress. It might seem as if you’re faced with an impossible choice. Should you consider having an abortion? This is not an easy question to answer. Deciding on one of your three pregnancy options often requires careful consideration. As you begin doing research, you might have heard of the abortion pill. Perhaps you want to avoid the stress of a clinic visit. Can you order the abortion pill through the mail or schedule a telehealth appointment? Find out more information regarding the possibility of obtaining the abortion pill without a clinic visit.
Do you have questions about the abortion pill? Avenue Women’s Center can provide you with the answers you need to feel confident in your choice. Confirm your pregnancy with a free, medical-grade pregnancy test. Our expert staff will discuss your results with you and guide you through your options. Receive an ultrasound exam and learn more about which abortion options are available to you. We can chat with you about medical abortions, possible side effects, and abortion alternatives. Each of our six locations throughout DuPage County will provide you with a nonjudgmental environment to carefully examine your choices.
Contact us today for an unexpected pregnancy consultation at no cost!
What Does The Abortion Pill Do?
Medical abortion is FDA-approved up to the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. The process generally involves taking two pills – mifepristone and misoprostol. The mifepristone can terminate the pregnancy by blocking the progesterone hormone it needs to continue. Misoprostol is often taken 24-48 hours later. This dose of the abortion pill can cause contractions that expel the uterine contents.
Some women have reported experiencing side effects after a medical abortion. The severity of these complications can vary. There may be cramping or vaginal bleeding that lasts for hours or days. It’s possible you may also have vomiting, diarrhea, or fatigue after taking the abortion pill. Women in more severe cases have contracted infections like sepsis. If the abortion is incomplete, a surgical abortion must be performed.
If your symptoms persist, contact a medical professional. You may need to call 911 if you have a high fever or if you experience excessive bleeding.
Why Do Women Schedule In-Person Visits for a Medical Abortion?
You may be wondering if traveling to a clinic is necessary. However, there may be a few first steps that are helpful before receiving the medication abortion. There are typically a few things women need to be alerted to about their health. Certain conditions may render you ineligible for an abortion or require immediate medical care. Some women prefer to be informed about potential complications prior to making an abortion decision. One of the potential risks of ordering the pill online or scheduling a telehealth appointment is not being able to learn more about your health.
For example, you may need an ultrasound exam before you have a medical abortion. Calculating how far along you are by yourself may not always be accurate. An ultrasound can accurately assess your pregnancy’s gestational age. It’s not recommended you take the abortion pill if it’s been more than 70 days since your last menstrual period. The risk of potential side effects tends to increase the further along you are in your pregnancy.
You may also be ineligible for the abortion pill if the pregnancy has been implanted outside of your uterus (an ectopic pregnancy). If it’s not detected early, then it can cause your fallopian tube to burst or lead to an internal hemorrhage. The sooner you can be told about this condition and receive treatment, the better.
Medical Abortion Next Steps
Understandably, this may be a very confusing time for you. You’re probably feeling overwhelmed by all of this new information. You might have been hoping to avoid an in-person visit so you can quickly relieve yourself of anxieties. Making a choice about your unexpected pregnancy is hard. It’s normal to feel stressed and want the situation to be over.
Try to remember you have time. Your health also matters in this decision. If you’re feeling lost or confused, help is available to guide you through each step.
Are you feeling anxious when it comes to researching the abortion pill? Avenue Women’s Center can work with you to help you find the choice that’s right for you. You can schedule a time that works for you to meet with one of our caring pregnancy consultants. We even offer virtual consultations! We’ll supply you with accurate information about abortion and abortion alternatives. We care deeply about your health as you begin to move forward with a decision. That’s why we can offer you a free, limited ultrasound exam. This will rule out possible complications and tell you your pregnancy’s gestational age. We’re here to work with you every step of the way to ensure you have the help you need.
Reach out today for free confidential services and support!
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References:
- American Pregnancy Association. Possible Physical Side Effects After Abortion. Retrieved from: https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion-side-effects/
- US Food and Drug Administration. (2018, February) Mifeprex (mifepristone) Information. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm111323.htm
Reviewed by Patricia Kuenzi, APN-CNP, MSN, ANP, PNP.
The information provided here is general in nature. It is not a substitute for a consultation with a medical professional. Before any medical procedure, it is imperative that you discuss your personal medical history, risks, and concerns with your doctor. If you have questions during or after a procedure, your doctor should be immediately contacted. Avenue Women’s Center is not an emergency center. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, such as bleeding and/or pain, seek immediate medical attention. Contact your physician, go to an emergency room, or call 911.