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The Abortion Pill: What to Know & Expect

Women’s Reproductive Health is a hot topic. Emotions can be triggered and anxiety can increase when discussing topics like abortion. If you are considering the abortion pill, the staff here at Her Health Women’s Center wants you to be fully informed before making a pregnancy decision. Please contact us with any questions or concerns you may have.

How does the abortion pill work?

The abortion pill is actually two types of medicine used to end a pregnancy 10 weeks or less (70 days from the first day of the last menstrual period.

  1. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that pregnant women produce to support a healthy pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy won’t grow or stay attached to the uterine lining.

  2. Misoprostol is the second part of the chemical abortion. It causes the uterus to cramp and bleed, expelling the pregnancy.


Is it as simple as it sounds?

The decision to end a pregnancy is not usually simple and every situation is unique. It is important to take some time to think things through and determine if it is right for you. 


What are the side effects of those pills?

Common side effects include: bleeding, cramping, passing blood clots, fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, dizziness and abdominal pain. The intensity of pain varies from person to person. Vaginal bleeding is heavy at first and moderate to light for a few days or a few weeks. 


Are there risks involved?

There are risks with any medication, like a possible allergic reaction. Another risk is retained pregnancy tissue, which can lead to a serious infection called sepsis and has caused death in some women. Heavy bleeding that won’t stop may require surgery. Some women experience digestive pain and diarrhea. Risks are higher for a pregnancy that is greater than 10 weeks.


Do I need an ultrasound first?

Yes - It is vital to know to know how far along the pregnancy is and that the pregnancy is actually in the uterus. The abortion pills do not treat an ectopic pregnancy and can delay life-saving treatment for the pregnant woman.


If I started the abortion pill process, but changed my mind, what should I do?

Contact Abortion Pill Reversal Helpline as soon as possible. You have options!


How soon could I get pregnant after an abortion?

You could release an egg and get pregnant as early as 5 days after an abortion if you have unprotected sex.


How will I feel later?  What are the long-term effects?

This is difficult to know for a couple of reasons. One reason is that unfortunately, the United States doesn’t have a national mandate on reporting abortion data like there are for other health issues, resulting in incomplete information. Another reason is that your experience and feelings are your own.  Some of the most common emotional effects women have reported at our center include relationship problems, nightmares, regret, alcohol abuse, and depression. 


Is there help for me after an abortion?

Every person deserves a safe, compassionate space to process their feelings. Studies done by © Support after Abortion show that the majority of both men and women desire after-abortion support. Her Health Women’s Center has resources available to support you in healing both emotionally and spiritually.


Disclaimer: The sources cited for this blog are found to be reliable, however, Her Health Women’s Center can not endorse or oppose the entire content of the websites listed. The content of this blog is meant to be used for informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical care. 


Sources:

https://supportafterabortion.com/receive-healing/  © Support after Abortion Phone: 844.289.HOPE (4673)8

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