What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

Taking the abortion pill for your unexpected pregnancy sounds so easy: you take one pill and expect life will go back to normal. 

Unfortunately, taking the abortion pill can have lasting physical and emotional side effects. In fact, the abortion pill isn’t even just one pill. It is actually two separate medications taken over a 24 to 48 hour period.

You have an important decision in front of you and no matter what you choose, your decision will impact your future. will always be a part of your future. 

What Is The Abortion Pill?

There are two types of abortions, chemical, and surgical. The abortion pill is a chemical abortion method used to end a pregnancy. 

A quote from the Mayo Clinic states, “Having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences. If you’re considering the procedure, make sure you understand what it entails, side effects, possible risks, complications, and alternatives.” 

The Abortion Pill Procedure

You can only use the abortion pill method if you are less than 11 weeks into your pregnancy. Anything past 11 weeks requires a surgical abortion procedure. It is also important to note that the abortion pill is ineffective on an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy developing outside the uterus).

During a woman’s monthly cycle, a hormone called progesterone thickens the lining of her uterus. If she gets pregnant, the thicker lining helps the pregnancy stay implanted and growing.

The first drug of the abortion pill method is mifepristone. This drug blocks the progesterone, causing the lining of the uterus to thin and preventing the pregnancy from staying attached. 

The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. 

The Side Effects Of The Abortion Pill

Mifepristone can cause you to bleed and have cramps for possibly 2 to 4 weeks. It’s a highly regulated drug by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA lists other common side effects for both mifepristone and misoprostol like:

1. Nausea

2. Weakness 

3. Fever/chills

4. Vomiting

5. Headache

6. Diarrhea

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like:

1. Heavy bleeding – soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours

2. Severe abdominal or back pain

3. Fever lasting more than 24 hours

4. Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

How We Can Help

The best way to determine if you’re actually pregnant, confirm you’re under 11 weeks, and rule out an ectopic pregnancy is to have an ultrasound. You have the right to know exactly what’s happening inside your body and to be fully informed about your pregnancy options. You deserve an ultrasound and to have a medical professional review the findings of this ultrasound with you. Your Options Medical can provide all of this to you at no cost and no insurance is needed.

If you just found out you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant, schedule an appointment with today.