The following are serious side effects of the abortion pill:
- Bleeding, including blood clots
- Cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Feeling faint
As with any other medication, it’s crucial to understand the abortion pill thoroughly before taking it.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill uses two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, the pregnancy hormone. Without progesterone, the uterine lining thins, meaning the embryo cannot stay implanted, which causes fetal demise and ends the pregnancy.
Misoprostol is taken at least 24 hours after mifepristone, and it causes uterine cramping and contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.
The abortion pill process can be very painful and lead to several side effects.
What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
In addition to the side effects listed above, the following side effects are possible after taking the abortion pill:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
If these continue, you should seek medical care to prevent complications.
Before You Take the Abortion Pill
Before taking the abortion pill, you need to know how far along you are. The FDA has only approved the abortion pill through the first nine weeks of pregnancy, and you’re at risk of an incomplete abortion if you take the drugs too late in pregnancy.
In addition to knowing how far along you are, you also need to know the location of your pregnancy. If outside the uterus, your pregnancy is ectopic and requires different and immediate treatment.
An ultrasound will provide all of these details about your pregnancy to make an informed decision.
We offer free ultrasounds at True Care Women’s Resource Center. Contact us to schedule your ultrasound appointment today.