The abortion pill is a method of pregnancy termination, officially known as medical abortion. It involves using drugs to end a viable and progressing pregnancy.
FDA-approved for the first ten weeks of gestation, this form of abortion uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to first end the pregnancy and expel any related tissue from the body through cramping and vaginal bleeding.
While less invasive than a surgical abortion procedure, medical abortion does take more time.
The abortion pill process typically involves spending a few days at home experiencing heavy vaginal bleeding as the drugs work their course.
What Are the Side Effects?
Because of how the abortion pill works, it will certainly cause vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. It also comes with a few side effects to keep in mind.
Drugs used in medical abortion may also cause:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Along with the side effects, it’s advisable to review the risks in context with your health history before choosing the abortion pill method. If you’re too far along in pregnancy, have an IUD in place, or another health condition, another option may be a safer choice for your personal health.
Abortion Safety Checklist
Before proceeding with an abortion, there are some steps you can take to better protect your sexual health and wellness.
These include the following:
- Receive STD/STI testing (and treatment if applicable)
- Discuss your health history with a medical professional
- Have an ultrasound scan to determine your pregnancy’s age, viability, and location
- Understand the risks and side effects
- Create an emergency care plan just in case
- Know the signs of infection you should monitor for after the procedure
Check Off the Boxes at Turlock
Be proactive about your health and safety at Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center. We can help ensure you have all the facts to make an informed and empowered choice for your future.
All of our services are provided at no cost to you! Contact us to schedule.