What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

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As with any medication, the abortion pill isn’t right for everyone. Learn what steps to take to protect your health.

What is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is known by many names. Chemical abortion, medical abortion, medication abortion, and/or at-home abortion are most common. These names are all referring to a method of abortion that is intended for ending an early pregnancy that is ten weeks along or less.

Do I Take One Pill And That’s It?

Taking the abortion pill is a big decision, and it may be more involved than you think. In the United States, what’s known as the abortion pill is most commonly a two-step combination of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone and Misoprostol

First, Mifepristone is taken, this medication blocks the hormone progesterone causing the uterine lining to thin and preventing the pregnancy from progressing. Secondly, 24-48 hours later Misoprostol is taken. This medication causes the pregnancy to be expelled from your uterus resulting in cramping and vaginal bleeding.

What Are the Physical Side Effects of The Abortion Pill?

Besides cramping and bleeding, the abortion pill procedure can cause nausea, vomiting, chills, headache, weakness, diarrhea, dizziness, and pain. For some women, it can also lead to serious complications such as infection, heavy bleeding, or incomplete abortion.

What Are the Mental Health Side Effects of The Abortion Pill?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “having a medical abortion is a major decision with emotional and psychological consequences.” Be sure to explore all aspects of your situation so that you can make an empowered choice.

Can Effects of the Abortion Pill on pregnancy be reversed?

For women who change their minds after taking the first medication, mifepristone, it may be possible to support the pregnancy. For more information, see Abortion Pill Reversal  )

What Can I Do To Protect My Health?

If your pregnancy is in the wrong location or if it is too far along, greater than 70 days since your last period, the FDA advises you to not take the abortion pill.

An ultrasound exam is the best way to confirm this information about your pregnancy.

Free and Confidential Services in Centereach and East Meadow, NY

To learn more about abortion procedures and to receive an ultrasound exam at no cost to you, contact us today. Our team of affiliated healthcare professionals and social workers are here to address your concerns one by one so you can make an informed decision about your unplanned pregnancy.