Finding out you’re unexpectedly pregnant can raise questions about your future, your relationships, and what options are available to you.
At Blue Ridge Women’s Center, we’re here to give you accurate information so you can make a confident decision about what comes next.
Read this article to learn more about what the term “medical abortion” means, how it works, and its potential risks. Or, to talk to a medical professional about your pregnancy options, schedule a confidential appointment at no cost to you.
What Does Medical Abortion Mean?
A medical abortion uses two drugs taken at different times to end a pregnancy. It’s commonly referred to as the abortion pill, though it’s actually a two-step process.
The FDA approves this method through 70 days, or 10 weeks, from the first day of your last menstrual period. After that point, effectiveness decreases, and the risk of complications rises.
How the Two Drugs Work
Medical abortion involves two drugs taken at different times:
- Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a naturally occurring hormone essential for sustaining the pregnancy. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down, causing the pregnancy to detach from the uterus.
- Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours after the first pill. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty. This part of the process usually results in significant cramping and heavy bleeding as the pregnancy is expelled.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Like any medical procedure, medical abortion carries risks and side effects that you should consider:
Potential side effects:
- Severe abdominal cramping
- Heavy bleeding and blood clots
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever, chills, and headache
Possible risks:
- Incomplete abortion (requiring surgical intervention)
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding (hemorrhage)
- Infection or fever
- Undetected ectopic pregnancy
Why a Pre-Abortion Assessment is Necessary
Before you schedule any procedure, there are three critical health questions that only a medical professional can help you answer through a limited obstetric ultrasound:
- Is the pregnancy viable? One in four pregnancies ends in a natural miscarriage. If the pregnancy is not progressing, a medical abortion may not be medically indicated
- How far along are you? The effectiveness and safety of the abortion pill decrease as the pregnancy progresses. An ultrasound is the only way to accurately date the pregnancy.
- Is the pregnancy in the right location? An ultrasound can rule out an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy located outside the uterus), which is a life-threatening medical emergency that an abortion pill cannot resolve.
Blue Ridge Women’s Center does not benefit from your decision, providing these medical services, including pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, at no cost to you.
Schedule Your Consultation at No Cost
If you are considering your options, you’re not alone. Blue Ridge Women’s Center offers a safe, confidential environment where you can consult with licensed medical staff. Contact us today for an appointment. We offer free, limited ultrasounds and other pregnancy resources to help you make an informed decision.