Facts About Medical Abortion You Might Not Know

Facts About Medical Abortion You Might Not Know

If you’re considering medical abortion after an unexpected pregnancy, you probably have questions. With so much information available online, it can be difficult to know what’s accurate. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand how medical abortion works, what to expect, and why confirming your pregnancy first matters.

At First Concern Pregnancy Resource Center, we provide confidential appointments where you can ask questions and learn more about your pregnancy in a pressure-free environment. Schedule your no-cost visit with us today.

1. Medical Abortion Uses Two Different Drugs

Medical abortion (also called the abortion pill) typically involves two drugs taken at different times.

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken later to cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

For most women, this process takes place primarily at home. Because of this, it’s important to understand what symptoms are expected and which ones require immediate medical attention.

2. Side Effects Can Be More Intense Than Expected

Cramping and bleeding will occur during a medical abortion, but the amount and duration vary from woman to woman. Additionally, some women report these side effects as being unexpectedly severe.

Other common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and chills. While many women may recover without complications, possible risks include heavy bleeding, infection, an ongoing pregnancy if the drugs don’t work, or an incomplete abortion that may require additional treatment.

Knowing what to expect beforehand can help you recognize when it’s appropriate to seek medical care.

3. An Ultrasound Is an Important First Step

A positive pregnancy test alone doesn’t provide all the information you need before considering this option.

An ultrasound can help determine:

• Whether the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
• Approximately how far along you are
• Whether the pregnancy appears to be viable (developing and has a heartbeat)

These details matter because the abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks of pregnancy, and it does not treat an ectopic pregnancy, which requires emergency medical care, or a miscarriage, which means your pregnancy has ended.

If you receive a positive pregnancy test with us, we can offer on-site referrals for free ultrasounds by licensed medical providers.

4. Follow-Up Care Is an Important Part of the Process

Some women assume the process is complete once they’ve taken the drugs, but follow-up care is an important part of protecting your health.

A follow-up appointment allows a healthcare provider to determine whether the abortion was complete and evaluate for possible complications if you’re experiencing concerning symptoms. If you have heavy bleeding, bad stomach pain, a prolonged fever, or other warning signs after a medical abortion, seek care right away.

We’re Here to Help

First Concern Pregnancy Resource Center is committed to helping you make an informed decision by providing accurate information in a confidential environment. Our team is also available to answer any questions you may have.

Schedule your appointment today to get started.

First Concern Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.

All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.