Too Late to Take the Abortion Pill?
So, you just found out you are pregnant and are now considering taking the Abortion Pill. But you don’t know when it will be too late to take it, what the Abortion Pill is, or if you even qualify.
Here are some facts to educate you on the Abortion Pill.
Mifepristone, commonly known as the abortion pill, has been FDA approved for termination of pregnancy up to 70 days (10 weeks) past the first day of a woman’s last menstrual period. Mifepristone works by blocking a hormone needed to maintain your pregnancy and causes the embryo to separate from the uterus. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
Due to the risks of serious complications, the patient and provider must sign a patient agreement form before mifepristone can be administered. It is important to know that mifepristone must be ordered, prescribed, and dispensed by, or under the supervision, of a certified healthcare provider. Mifepristone is typically administered in a clinic setting and misoprostol is usually taken at home 24-48 hours following administration of mifepristone.
Cramping and bleeding are expected with this treatment and expulsion of the pregnancy generally occur 2-24 hours after taking misoprostol. Bleeding and spotting can occur for 9-30 days. Other common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, back pain, and tiredness.
Serious and life-threatening bleeding and infection can occur following the use of the abortion pill. Be sure to contact your provider or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience heavy bleeding (soaking through 2 pads per hour for 2 consecutive hours), a fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts for more than 4 hours, or if you have abdominal pain/discomfort 24 hours after taking misoprostol.
Follow-up with your abortion provider 7-14 days following your abortion to ensure your abortion is complete. Heavy bleeding and cramping do not always signify the abortion was successful. 2-7% percent of women are still pregnant after experiencing cramping and bleeding. If the pregnancy has not been terminated, there may be birth defects. Your healthcare provider will talk to you about your options, including a surgical procedure to end your pregnancy. Heavy bleeding requiring surgical intervention occurs in about 1% of patients.
If you are considering taking the abortion pill, schedule a confidential appointment with Obria Medical Clinic for a pre-abortion assessment by going online or by calling 515-620-5892.
You matter to us!