While the abortion pill may seem like a simple way to deal with an unplanned pregnancy, there are risks to consider.
Additionally, for the sake of your health, you’ll want to speak with your medical provider about known risks and complications to be aware of before deciding whether the abortion pill is right for you.
Below is additional information that can be helpful to you to know when speaking with your doctor.
What is the Abortion Pill
Even though it’s commonly referred to as the “abortion pill,” the procedure is known as a medical abortion and consists of a series of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone is taken first and prevents your uterus from sustaining a healthy pregnancy, causing the fertilized egg to detach from the uterine wall. Misoprostol is then used to cause your uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy from your body.
Limitations and Risks of the Abortion Pill
There are known risks and limitations to the abortion pill that, if ignored, can create serious complications that put your health and safety at risk.
Ectopic Pregnancy
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside your uterus, such as in a fallopian tube. This is a serious and dangerous medical condition that cannot be addressed by the abortion pill and requires immediate professional medical attention.
Age of Pregnancy
According to the FDA, a medical abortion (the abortion pill) should not be attempted after the pregnancy is 10 weeks old. Attempting a medical abortion after 10 weeks drastically increases the chance of risks to your health, such as incomplete abortion.
Other limitations that could limit your eligibility for a medical abortion include:
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Can’t make follow-up visits to your doctor
- Can’t access emergency care
- Taking a blood thinner or certain steroid medications
- Having an allergy to the medications used during a medical abortion
- Having certain medical issues such as bleeding disorders, heart or blood vessel diseases, severe lung, liver, or kidney disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
Where Can I Learn More?
The most important first step is to get all the facts you can, not just about the abortion pill, but the details of your pregnancy.
Getting an ultrasound scan is vital in learning those details, such as determining the age of your pregnancy and ruling out an ectopic pregnancy.
The medical staff at Alpha Pregnancy Care Center can provide you with a free and confidential ultrasound scan, providing you with all the facts you need to know about your pregnancy. They’ll also listen to your concerns, answer all your questions, and help you understand all your options.
With this information, you will be empowered to make the best decision for your health and future.
Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.