What is the abortion pill and how does it work?
The abortion pill (also known as a medical abortion) is a combination of two separate drugs. The first is called Mifepristone and the second is called Misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking progesterone. Progesterone is a very important hormone that is naturally released by your body to support pregnancy. This block in progesterone causes the uterine lining to thin, cutting off blood and nourishment to the fetus and leading to termination. 24-48 hours after taking the first pill, the second drug is taken. This drug called Misoprostol causes the uterus to begin contracting, leading to the expulsion of the fetus.
What are the risks?
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection (watch for ongoing fever and a foul-smelling vaginal odor)
- Incomplete abortion
- Failure to end the pregnancy
- Digestive discomfort
- Allergic reaction to the medications
The abortion pill isn’t safe if you:
- Have an ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy located outside of the uterus)
- Have an IUD in place
- Have a blood clotting disorder, severe anemia, or currently on an anticoagulant
- Are being treated with long-term corticosteroid therapy
- Have problems with your adrenal glands
- Have a pregnancy further than 70 days along
It’s critical to discuss your health history with a medical provider prior to undergoing a medical procedure such as an abortion.
Additionally, it’s important to be certain the abortion clinic you’re considering has no violations. You can check at www.checkmyclinic.org to see if there are any health/safety violations. The Department of State Health inspections compiles this information.
Your Choices Randolph offers free, lab quality pregnancy tests to confirm pregnancy. We also can offer a free ultrasound to determine critical details of the pregnancy such as location of pregnancy, gestational age, and to confirm viability. Please contact us today to schedule your free appointment at 336.629.9988. We’re here for you!