Understanding Abortion Pills: What to Know

Learning that you’re unexpectedly pregnant can be a whirlwind. You might be looking into your options and wondering how the abortion pill works. 

Understanding how these drugs work, along with their potential side effects and risks, can help you make an informed decision about your health and pregnancy.

Ascend Women’s Center is here for you through this uncertain time. At our center, we offer abortion information consultations to give you access to medically accurate information. This includes a free limited OB ultrasound to confirm important medical details about your pregnancy, as well as information about your other options.

Schedule a confidential appointment today. 

How Do Abortion Pills Work? 

The abortion pill is also known as a medical abortion and involves taking two drugs at different times. 

The first drug is called mifepristone and works by blocking progesterone, which is a hormone needed to sustain the pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken around 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract, resulting in cramping and bleeding that expels the pregnancy.

The abortion pill is approved through ten weeks of gestation by the FDA. 

The Side Effects and Risks 

The abortion pills can have side effects and risks. In addition to the cramping and bleeding, side effects also include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and chills. 

The intensity of these side effects varies from woman to woman, with a study showing that some women found the cramping and bleeding more significant than expected. The FDA also warns against obtaining abortion pills from unverified online sources because they may not meet required standards for safety, quality, or authenticity.

Some possible risks of the abortion pills include: 

• An incomplete abortion.
• Heavy and prolonged bleeding. 
• Infection. 
• Fever. 

Why Medical Details Matter 

Key medical details about your pregnancy, including the location, gestational age (how far along you are), and whether the pregnancy appears to be developing are important since these can affect your options and health. 

A limited OB ultrasound at our center can provide these details and help identify concerns such as an ectopic pregnancy (where the pregnancy implants outside of the uterus), or if you have already miscarried. Both will need specific medical follow-up care, and early detection can protect your health. 

Get Accurate Information at Ascend Women’s Center 

With all the different information out there, it can be difficult to understand your options and what to expect. 

Ascend Women’s Center can provide you with a safe and confidential space to ask questions and learn about all of your options. We believe every woman deserves access to clear information free from judgment. 

We also offer free medical-grade pregnancy testing administered by a registered nurse and limited OB ultrasounds so you can learn more about how your pregnancy is developing and get the answers you need. You don’t have to handle this alone. 

Contact us to make an appointment. We are here for you. 

Ascend Women’s 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.