Many women who come to our center have questions about the Abortion Pill. However, these women are often misinformed about how the Abortion Pill works and whether it’s their best option. Find out if the Abortion Pill is the right choice for you and more below.
WHEN CAN YOU TAKE THE ABORTION PILL?
The Abortion Pill, used to end an early pregnancy, is given in the first 9 weeks of pregnancy, counting from the first day of your last menstrual period. However, you’ll first need to make sure you’re pregnant by taking a pregnancy test followed by a confirmation ultrasound to accurately date your pregnancy. The ultrasound determines the gestational age of the embryo.
HOW DOES THE ABORTION PILL WORK?
The Abortion Pill is actually two different sets of pills, each containing a different drug. The first pill, mifepristone (cytotec), blocks pregnancy hormones from reaching your uterus. This prevents the uterine lining from growing, which causes the developing embryo to detach from the uterus. This also causes the death of the embryo, as it is no longer able to obtain nutrients from your body.
The second pill, misoprostol, is taken a few days after the first. This pill causes your uterus to contract and your cervix to open to expel the embryo. Depending on how far along you are, this may feel like a heavy period or it could cause painful cramping as the embryo is expelled.
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO TAKE THE ABORTION PILL?
Generally, the first pill, mifepristone, also known as the Abortion Pill or RU486, is a synthetic steroid. Some women experience light nausea from the hormonal impact of the drug. In contrast, the second pill, misoprostol, always causes strong period-like cramping to expel the embryo. Depending on your body and how advanced your pregnancy is, these cramps may be moderate to intense and can last for hours or more than a day.
Typically, most women have heavy bleeding for at least several hours. At some point, the bleeding will lessen and become more like a normal period. This bleeding can continue for up to a week, and most women experience further, irregular bleeding or spotting for the next several weeks or months. You may also pass small or large clots, and see tissue, in addition to blood. This is an expected part of passing the pregnancy.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS THE ABORTION PILL?
Some women may need to take two doses of misoprostol to guarantee expulsion of the embryo and to start the process of contractions and bleeding. The Abortion Pill’s effectiveness can vary, but for most women it is more than 90% effective at ending a pregnancy.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
The side effects are painful cramping and bleeding. In some cases, women also experience nausea, low fever, dizziness and pelvic pain. Be aware, these are not all the possible side effects. In addition, many women feel varied emotional effects, such as grief, depression, and mood swings.
While the Abortion Pill is one of the best-known options for an unexpected pregnancy, it’s definitely not your only choice.
WHAT OTHER INFORMATION SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT THE ABORTION PILL?
The abortion pills taken orally are administered by you. Serious and sometimes fatal infections and bleeding can occur. Because of the risks of serious complications Mifepristone is available only through a restricted program, Mifeprex Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). Your doctor will give you a medication guide to read and a patient agreement to sign. Talk to your doctor about the serious risks.
Merriam Webster defines an embryo as, “the developing human individual from the time of implantation to the end of the eighth week after conception.”
IS THE ABORTION PILL DIFFERENT FROM THE MORNING AFTER PILL?
Though they sound similar, the Abortion Pill is very different from the Morning After pill. The Morning After pill is available from drugstores and pharmacies without a prescription, and it is only effective before you become pregnant. This is why the Morning After pill is also referred to as “emergency contraception.” In contrast, the Abortion Pill is only available with a prescription from a doctor and can only be taken under medical supervision.
Call (786) 732-7911 today to schedule a free pregnancy test or options consultation. Walk-ins are always welcome.