Like any medical procedure, a medical abortion comes with important risks, side effects, and screenings you should be aware of before you make a final decision.
At Lakeside Women’s Clinic, we offer no-cost options consultations where you can ask questions, get information, and explore your options.
How Does a Medical Abortion Work?
A medication abortion uses two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first medication, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone, a hormone the pregnancy needs to continue. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, effectively ending the pregnancy.
The second medication, misoprostol, is usually taken 24 to 48 hours after the first. It induces the uterus to contract, leading to cramping and bleeding as the pregnancy and the related tissue are expelled.
What Are the Risks?
Typical side effects of medical abortion can include cramping and vaginal bleeding. A few other risks to be aware of include:
- An incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by a surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure is unsuccessful
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
What Health Screenings Should I Take Before Starting The Abortion Pill?
An ultrasound can provide critical information about a pregnancy and, in multiple ways, help protect a woman’s health, such as:
- Screening for ectopic pregnancy: An ultrasound can identify pregnancies growing outside the uterus. Ectopic pregnancies are potentially life-threatening and require immediate medical treatment, other than an elective abortion.
- Gestational age: Ultrasounds show how far along a pregnancy is, which matters because the abortion pill is FDA-approved only through 10 weeks.
- Confirming miscarriage: An ultrasound can confirm if a miscarriage has already occurred, which occurs in up to 26% of pregnancies and may mean an abortion is no longer needed.
We offer no-cost pregnancy services, including pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. You deserve care, clarity, and support. Reach out today to schedule an appointment!.
