If you’re researching abortion, you may have come across the term “medical abortion” and wondered what it actually means. A medical abortion uses abortion drugs to end a pregnancy rather than a surgical procedure.
Before considering medical abortion, it can be helpful to understand how far along your pregnancy is and what the process involves. This information can help you know what you’re considering before deciding what comes next.
New Life Pregnancy Resource Center offers no-cost pregnancy testing and limited obstetric ultrasounds so you can learn more about your pregnancy and explore your options in a confidential environment.
Reach out today to make an appointment, and keep reading to learn more about medical abortion and some important considerations.
How a Medical Abortion Works
A medical abortion involves two abortion drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. They work in sequence to end the pregnancy.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that helps the pregnancy grow and develop. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract. This is when abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding begin as the pregnancy is expelled from the body.
The experience can vary from woman to woman, but bleeding is generally heavier than a normal menstrual period and may include blood clots. Cramping can also be significant, with some women reporting it to be “out of this world.”
The FDA has approved the use of mifepristone with misoprostol for medical abortion through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
What Side Effects Can You Experience?
Cramping and bleeding will occur after taking the drugs. Other possible side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Chills
- Fever
Possible risks include incomplete abortion, heavy or prolonged bleeding, and infection.
Why Do Your Pregnancy Details Matter?
Your pregnancy details can provide important context when you’re considering abortion. How far along the pregnancy is, for example, can affect your options.
A limited ultrasound can provide information about how far along the pregnancy is, where the pregnancy is developing, and whether cardiac activity is detected.
This is especially important because an ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy can become a medical emergency if the fallopian tube ruptures and causes internal bleeding.
The drugs used for a medical abortion do not treat an ectopic pregnancy, which requires appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
Get The Answers You Need
If you’re considering a medical abortion, learning more about your pregnancy can help you consider your circumstances and the options available to you.
New Life Pregnancy Resource Center offers no-cost pregnancy services and a confidential place to ask questions and learn about available support.
Schedule your appointment to get the clarity you deserve. We are here to help.
New Life Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.