Learning you’re pregnant can make your head spin. What are your options? What is possible?
One option you may have heard about is the abortion pill. Before making any decision, it’s important to understand how it works, what to expect, and how it could impact your health. Schedule an appointment at ALC Pregnancy Resource Center to receive free pregnancy services and talk through your options in a supportive, confidential environment.
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, involves two different drugs taken at separate times. The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone, a hormone your body needs to support a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy will detach from the uterine wall and end.
The second drug, misoprostol, is taken hours or days later. This drug causes the uterus to contract, leading to abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding as the body expels the pregnancy and related tissue. This process typically happens over several days, and the timing and intensity can vary for each woman.
Every experience with the abortion pill is different, but there will always be a level of abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding because that’s how the drugs work.
Some women experience additional side effects, such as upset stomach, vomiting, fever, chills, nausea, diarrhea, or headache.
Not every woman experiences a complication, but the risks include incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, infection, fever, and digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.
Because the process usually takes place at home, it’s important to understand what is considered normal and what could be a sign of a complication. Monitoring your symptoms and knowing when to seek medical care are important ways to protect your health.
You can read more about the risks in our article.
Before taking the abortion pill, understanding key details about your pregnancy can make a difference. Factors such as how far along you are, the location of the pregnancy, and your overall health can all affect your safety and experience.
For example, the abortion pill is only FDA-approved through the first ten weeks of pregnancy. Taking abortion drugs beyond this timeframe increases the chance of incomplete abortion, which can lead to infection, which often presents with heavy bleeding.
Additionally, taking the drugs without knowing the location of your pregnancy can lead to missing an ectopic pregnancy (one located outside the uterus), which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
An ultrasound can help confirm how far along you are and identify important details about your pregnancy. This information can help you better understand your options and avoid unnecessary health risks.
You deserve clear, accurate information as you consider your next step.
ALC Pregnancy Resource Center offers free and confidential pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and a safe place to ask questions and learn more about your options. While we do not provide or refer for abortions, we are here to support you with the information and care you need.
Schedule an appointment today! We have two locations for your convenience. Our first location is 711 Henry Clay Street, Shelbyville, KY, which you can reach by calling (502) 647-0300. Our second location, 368 N. Buckman Street, Shepherdsville, KY, can be reached at (502) 212-2535.
We’re here to help you.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.