As you watched a positive result appear on your home pregnancy test, you may have felt shock, fear, confusion, anxiety, and a mix of other complicated emotions coursing through you. Right away, questions about what to do and where to go for help probably raced across your mind. Maybe the abortion pill is one option that you’ve heard about and are currently exploring. Even if you’re feeling pretty sure that a medication abortion is your best way forward , it’s possible that a few questions about this option have popped into your head. Before committing to any pregnancy decision, it’s wise to gather more information and hopefully avoid any potential surprises. At Avenue, we aim to empower you with the support you need to make a knowledgeable, confident choice.
Do you have questions about the abortion pill and its potential side effects? Avenue Women’s Center is here for you! We’ve been serving women from the Chicagoland area and beyond since 1981, helping them build confidence in their unexpected pregnancy decisions by equipping them with reliable information. Our expert pregnancy consultants and medical professionals are available to answer your questions about all your pregnancy options in a private setting. We’ll offer clarification about abortion procedures and potential alternatives. We’re here to listen and serve as an encouraging resource throughout the decision-making process.
Contact us today to schedule a free appointment with our caring staff!
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion “pill” is a series of two drugs that are FDA-approved to end a pregnancy through ten weeks gestation (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking the body’s production of a pregnancy hormone called progesterone. This prevents the pregnancy from continuing to develop. The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel its contents from the body (Mayo Clinic).
What Are Some Common Side Effects?
Physical Side Effects
The abortion pill is generally considered to be safe and effective. However, as with any medical procedure, the medication abortion process involves risks and possible side effects. Common side effects include the following (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)):
- Pain in the abdominal region
- Bleeding from the vagina
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
A medication abortion also carries risks, including the risks of infection, heavy bleeding, injury to the uterus, and incomplete abortion (when some of the pregnancy remains inside the uterus after the procedure). Incomplete abortions are more common among women who have medication abortions compared to women who have surgical abortions. Additional medical attention and possibly a follow-up procedure would be needed in the case of an incomplete abortion (ACOG).
*Anyone who is concerned about their symptoms or who has signs of serious complications should call their medical provider or dial 911 right away. It’s important to follow up with the abortion provider after the procedure, regardless of symptoms.
Emotional Side Effects
The abortion pill also carries potential emotional “side effects,” as does any pregnancy option. These can be hard to predict, uncomfortable to consider, and easy to overlook. However, your emotional reaction to your pregnancy outcome matters significantly, and is important to consider before you decide.
Everyone responds in their own unique way to taking the abortion pill. Some women report feeling relieved, while others report feeling sad or angry. Emotional effects tend to last longer than physical ones, and can adapt over time. You can gain insight into your potential emotional response on the front end of your pregnancy decision by exploring your personal feelings and beliefs surrounding the abortion pill. This process may be challenging, and it may not point to an obvious answer, but it could bring you one step closer to identifying your own best pregnancy option.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible?
The abortion pill is not a safe and appropriate pregnancy option for everyone. A person who is too far along in her pregnancy would not be eligible. The abortion pill is not recommended for women who have specific medical conditions, including anemia, and some seizure and/or bleeding disorders. It’s also not advisable for individuals who are allergic to the abortion medications, taking blood thinners, experiencing a suspected ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside of the uterus), or using an IUD (Mayo Clinic).
For these reasons, it’s imperative that you go over your personal health history with your doctor to weigh any potential risks. Also, consider getting an ultrasound before you make your decision. A free limited medical ultrasound at Avenue can tell you how far along you are, where your pregnancy is located, and your chances of miscarriage.
We hope this blog has helped answer some of your basic questions about the abortion pill. Perhaps it has raised additional questions you weren’t anticipating. Whatever circumstances you may be facing right now, Avenue Women’s Center can help you access information and services as you determine your next steps for your unexpected pregnancy. All our services are confidential and available at no cost! It has been our commitment for over four decades to meet every person we serve with nonjudgmental respect and compassion. Consider allowing us to walk through this challenging time by your side.
Please call or text us today!
*Abortion laws vary significantly by state. Check your state’s guidelines to assess the legality of abortion options in your area.
_______________
References:
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2024, May). FAQS: Abortion Care. Retrieved from: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/Induced-Abortion?utm_source=redirect&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=otn
Mayo Clinic. (2024, June). Medical abortion. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023, March).Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
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.