If you’ve recently discovered you’re pregnant, you may be researching your options and trying to understand what medical abortion involves. As of the writing of this article, in Wyoming, abortion is currently legal up until the time a heartbeat can be detected, which has led some women to explore the abortion pill as an option.
Before making any decision, it’s important to understand how it works and what it means for your health. Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment at True Care today to receive medically accurate information about your options.
Fact #1: It Is a Two-Step Process
Medical abortion typically involves two drugs taken in sequence.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary to sustain a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the uterine lining begins to break down. The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and tissue.
Although this process often takes place at home, it is still serious and should be approached with a full understanding of its possible effects and complications.
Fact #2: The Physical Experience Can Vary
Cramping and bleeding will occur after taking the abortion pill. For some women, these side effects can cause significant pain or be unexpectedly severe.
Additional side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever or chills
- Headache
Every woman’s body responds differently to taking abortion drugs. Because of this, follow-up care is essential to ensure the process is complete and no complications develop.
Fact #3: There Are Risks to Consider
Like any medical procedure, medical abortion carries potential risks. These can include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- An incomplete abortion, which may require treatment
- An ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work as expected
Additionally, obtaining abortion pills from unverified online sources can increase risks due to concerns about dosage accuracy, storage conditions, and whether the drugs received are the correct ones.
Understanding these possibilities allows you to make a more informed decision about your health.
Fact #4: An Ultrasound Provides Critical Information
Before considering the abortion pill, confirming key details about your pregnancy is essential. A positive pregnancy test alone does not provide enough information.
An ultrasound can:
- Confirm the pregnancy is located in the uterus and not ectopic, which requires immediate medical care
- Determine how far along you are
- Identify whether the pregnancy is progressing or if a miscarriage has already occurred
True Care offers no-cost, confidential pregnancy testing and ultrasounds so you can have this information before making a decision.
Take a Thoughtful First Step
Medical abortion is a significant decision that affects your body and health. Taking time to gather accurate medical information helps you move forward responsibly.
At True Care, we provide services in a supportive environment where your questions are welcomed. Schedule your appointment today to receive options information you can trust.
True Care Women’s 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.