Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel scary and overwhelming.
Maybe you feel you have no other choice but to end your pregnancy, and you’re planning to order the abortion pill online as soon as you can.
While mail-order abortion may seem like your best option, it is vital to understand that there are risks and limitations involved.
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill, a term used for a medical abortion, uses two drugs to terminate a pregnancy.
Mifepristone is taken first to thin the lining of the uterus and cause the pregnancy to detach. Then, misoprostol is administered to create uterine contractions, which lead to the expulsion of the pregnancy through the vagina.
Who is Eligible for the Abortion Pill?
It is essential to receive an ultrasound scan to learn the gestational age, location, and viability of your pregnancy to determine your eligibility for the abortion pill.
According to the FDA, the abortion pill should not be used beyond 10 weeks of pregnancy, and doing so can lead to serious health complications.
Additionally, the pregnancy must also be implanted within the uterus. If the pregnancy is outside the uterus, this is considered an ectopic pregnancy and is a medical emergency.
Lastly, if the pregnancy is not viable, meaning the woman has miscarried, the abortion is unnecessary.
Along with the importance of receiving an ultrasound prior to having an abortion, it is critical to be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
The provider will ask you about your health history to ensure that you meet the criteria for an abortion. The following are some conditions and circumstances that can make you ineligible for the abortion pill:
- Have an IUD (intrauterine device)
- Have certain medical conditions, including bleeding disorders, certain heart and blood vessel diseases, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, or uncontrolled seizure disorder
- Take a blood thinner or certain steroid medications
- Can’t make follow-up visits or don’t have access to emergency care
- Have an allergy to the medicine used
Taking the abortion pill without first having an ultrasound scan and a face-to-face evaluation with a healthcare provider could increase your risk of complications.
What Are the Risks and Complications of the Abortion Pill?
Every woman’s body responds differently to an abortion.
Risks of using the abortion pill include but are not limited to:
- Incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical procedure
- Fever
- Infection
- Heavy bleeding
- Digestive issues
- Allergic reaction to the drugs used
If you experience any of the following after using the abortion pill, seek immediate medical attention:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Heavy bleeding
- Continuing pregnancy symptoms
Pre-Abortion Consultation
Choosing how to proceed with an unplanned pregnancy can feel confusing.
The best place to start is learning the facts about your pregnancy to determine what options are available to you.
Alpha Pregnancy Care Center is here to provide a lab-quality test to confirm your pregnancy and a follow-up ultrasound scan to learn your pregnancy’s gestational age, location, and viability.
Our trusted staff is here to listen, answer your questions, and provide you with the support you deserve.
Contact us today for your confidential appointment.
Make an Appointment
Call
Text