Are you considering abortion? Unplanned pregnancy can come with a lot of decisions and there are a lot of factors to consider when trying to determine the best options for you and your future. First Care Women’s Health provides support and information based on facts so that you can be confident in your choices.
If you would like additional abortion pill information or are in need of a pregnancy test or ultrasound to confirm your pregnancy, contact our team or book an appointment today.
What Is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is a method of abortion available in the early stages of pregnancy (up to 10 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period). Unlike the name suggests, the abortion pill actually consists of two different medications, which are taken separately to end the pregnancy and remove it from the uterus.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The first pill taken contains a medication which is intended to block the hormone progesterone. Progesterone is required for a pregnancy to continue. When progesterone is blocked, the baby is not able to get the nutrients and oxygen it needs, resulting in the death of the baby.
If the abortion clinic or physician determines that the abortion pill is right for you, you will be prescribed with the first medication to take orally, which will end the pregnancy within a few days. 24-48 hours later, the second medication is taken at home. This medication causes the uterus to contract, causing the baby and the contents of the uterus to be expelled.
The whole process typically takes about two weeks to complete but may take longer depending on how far along the pregnancy is when the pills are taken. It is very important that you follow up with the abortion clinic or healthcare provider one to two weeks after you take the abortion pills to ensure that the abortion is complete. If the abortion pill was not successful in removing the pregnancy, the provider may choose to prescribe an additional dose of the second pill. If still unsuccessful, you may need to have a D & C abortion procedure to remove any residual uterine contents to prevent further bleeding and/or infection.
Do I Need To See a Doctor To Get the Abortion Pill?
Abortion pills can be obtained from abortion clinics or other medical centers that provide abortion services. They can also be ordered through online pharmacies, however buying the abortion pill online is not recommended, and can be dangerous. Drugs that are sold online are not subject to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) manufacturing controls or the FDA’s inspection of those facilities. Therefore, there is no way for you to be sure what these medications contain and to ensure they are safe.
Also, some websites claim to provide instructions on how you can have your own abortion at home. Following these instructions can be dangerous and may or may not successfully end your pregnancy. It is always best to find a provider that you know and trust.
Is the Abortion Pill the Same As the Morning After Pill?
The abortion pill and the morning-after pill are not the same medication and are taken for different purposes.
The morning-after pill is a drug that contains a high dose of progesterone and is intended to be taken as soon as possible within the first 72 hours after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure in order to prevent pregnancy from occurring. It works by either preventing ovulation, affecting the lining of your fallopian tubes so that sperm cannot reach the egg, or it may irritate the lining of your uterus, making it harder for the embryo to implant in your uterus.
The abortion pill is taken with the intention of ending and removing a pregnancy that has already been confirmed.
How Much Do Abortion Pills Cost?
Abortion clinics in the Northern Virginia area charge between $400 and $500 for the abortion pill. If you choose to take the abortion pill and it does not effectively end your pregnancy, you may need a D & C abortion procedure, which would include additional costs.
How Far Along Can I Be and Still Take the Pill?
The FDA has approved the use of the abortion pill for up to 10 weeks from the first day of your last menstrual period.
It’s very important that you know how far along you are so that you can determine which abortion services and procedure options are safest for you. First Care Women’s Health provides free pregnancy testing and ultrasound to help you determine how far along you are in your pregnancy during our Pre-Abortion Screenings.
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Can the Abortion Pill’s Effects Be Reversed?
If you change your mind about ending your pregnancy within 72 hours after taking the first pill, abortion pill reversal may be possible. In many cases, doctors are able to use progesterone to counteract the abortion pill’s effects, allowing the pregnancy to continue. Many women have been successful in getting the abortion pill reversed and have gone on to give birth to healthy babies even after starting the abortion pill process.
The use of progesterone is still being studied. If you have taken the abortion pill and have changed your mind, don’t try to counteract the abortion pill without the assistance of a medical professional. Learn more at abortionpillreversal.com or contact your OB/GYN.
What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
The side effects of the abortion pill are very similar to those of a miscarriage. These side effects can last anywhere from 1-2 weeks:
- Cramping and heavy bleeding with large clots
- Spotting that can last for several days or weeks after taking the medication
- Upset stomach (including nausea and/or diarrhea)
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Fever or chills (you’ll want to call your doctor right away if you experience a fever, as it could be a sign of infection)
Other more severe side effects include:
- An incomplete abortion which would result in some of the pregnancy tissue being left in the uterus after the procedure
- Blood clots in your uterus
- Infection and sepsis
- Bleeding too much or too long
- An allergic reaction to one or both of the medications
- Identifiable parts of the fetus expelled if the patient is beyond 8 weeks from her last menstrual period
Will the Pill Work if I Have an Ectopic Pregnancy?
Abortion pills cannot be used to end an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo implants in a location outside of the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancies cannot be safely carried to full-term and are considered a medical emergency. If this condition is not treated early, there is a risk of the tube rupturing, internal hemorrhage, and sometimes death.
If you are having symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy, you’ll want to seek care immediately. An ultrasound will need to be completed to determine the location and viability of your pregnancy.
How Can First Care Women’s Health Help?
Whether you are considering abortion or looking for resources to help with an unplanned pregnancy, First Care Women’s Health is here to help.
For additional abortion pill information or questions about any other abortion services or unplanned pregnancy options, call or schedule an appointment today.
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