What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
Do you think you might be unexpectedly pregnant and considering taking the abortion pill? Before taking your next steps, you owe it to yourself to put your health first by discovering all the facts. Ensure you are prepared for your next steps and can make an informed decision by understanding the risks and side effects of the abortion pill.
What Is the Abortion Pill?What you've probably heard of as the "abortion pill" is also known as medical or medication abortion, and it's a two-medication process.
The first dose, typically taken under a doctor's or clinician's care, is known as mifepristone. This drug stops the pregnancy from progressing by blocking the body's natural production of progesterone, a pregnancy hormone.
Then, the second dose, misoprostol, is most often taken several hours or up to a day later at home. This medication causes severe cramping of the uterus, expelling the pregnancy and tissue through the vagina.
The FDA approves this medication process for the termination of early pregnancies only, up to 10 weeks gestation. Taking these drugs past the recommended point in pregnancy could significantly increase the risk of complications such as incomplete abortion or infection.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?While taking a couple of pills may seem easy, pursuing the abortion pill is a serious medical undertaking. It's wise to know the potential physical risks and side effects of medication abortion.
Typical experiences caused by this medication process include vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping, as quoted by the Mayo Clinic. In addition to this, you may also experience:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
As with any major medical procedure, there are also inherent potential risks of complication. Signs or symptoms that you may need emergency medical attention following the abortion pill may include:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
These physical side effects may be signs of a greater complication. This is one reason follow-up care with a medical professional in person is vital to protect your health. An in-person examination is the only truly effective way to confirm if the abortion was complete (or if you may be at risk of incomplete abortion) and to screen for any signs of infection. In both cases, you might require further medical intervention.
Side Effects Of Abortion Include Mental Health ConcernsMajor medical procedures can also affect your mental health, so it's wise to consider how choosing to pursue the abortion pill may affect you in this sense. There is significant evidence of potential mental health or psychological effects of abortion procedures. This study points to how "at least some women do have significant mental health issues that are caused, triggered, aggravated, or complicated by their abortion experience."
Your mental health is worth prioritizing. Consider how this choice may affect your overall well-being, not just your physical health.
How Do I Know What Pregnancy Option Is Best for Me?If you're overwhelmed and unsure what to do next, we're here to help support you. As you navigate your pregnancy decision, our team can walk you through free medical services and comprehensive information to help you confidently make your next steps. No insurance is needed for these services.
One of the best next steps you can take is to find out essential information about your pregnancy and your unique medical needs through an ultrasound exam.
Schedule your free appointment today for peace of mind – you are not alone on this journey.
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