All abortions are major medical procedures, so it is imperative to understand all their potential risks and side effects. The risks specific to the abortion pill, or chemical abortion, include incomplete abortion, an ongoing pregnancy, heavy and prolonged bleeding, infection, fever, and digestive system discomfort.
Once you learn about all the risks, you may want to talk through them with a knowledgeable team member at AscentCare. We will help you confirm the exact age of your pregnancy to ensure you are eligible for the abortion pill.
If you take the abortion pill at a time when your pregnancy is too developed (past 10 weeks), you are at great risk of incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions typically require surgeries to prevent further health complications.
Understanding the Risks
The abortion pill is a non-invasive procedure. However, it still carries many of the same risks as a surgical abortion.
The abortion pill is a bit of a misnomer because it is actually a series of two pills taken 24-48 hours apart from one another.
The first pill, mifepristone, terminates the pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone. In doing this, mifepristone prevents further growth of the pregnancy.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions. These contractions cause cramping and often bleeding to expel the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
Mayo Clinic states that a chemical abortion (the abortion pill) isn’t an option for those who can’t make follow-up visits to a doctor or don’t have access to emergency care. Due to the risks, you must have access to a doctor to take the abortion pill route.
Detailing the Risks of the Abortion Pill
The Mayo Clinic lists the following risks of the abortion pill:
- Incomplete abortion
- Abdominal cramping with heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever or chills
- Digestive system discomfort such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
Knowing these risks, you must then ask yourself if you are willing to undergo this type of serious medical procedure. Always know, that there are multiple options available for your pregnancy. If you are curious about learning more about your options, reach out to our knowledgeable team!
What Can I Do Now?
After having a positive at-home pregnancy test, confirm your result at AscentCare at no cost with no insurance necessary. We will provide a follow-up lab-quality pregnancy test and conduct an ultrasound scan to tell you how far along you are. The trained medical staff will also screen for miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy.
We can support you through this stressful time. Schedule your confidential appointment today.