Understanding Abortion Pills: What to Know

Understanding how abortion works, the risks involved, and the importance of medical oversight is important if you are considering this option. Abortion pills may not be an option for every woman due to health reasons.

CareNet Pregnancy Center of Paradise is here for you if you are considering your options and need accurate information. We provide no-cost, confidential appointments for women facing unexpected pregnancies.

At our center, we will provide you with free pregnancy testing and a limited ultrasound scan so you get essential details about your pregnancy and determine your real options.

Schedule your confidential appointment today.

How Do Abortion Pills Work?

Abortion pills, also known as a medical abortion, work as a two-drug regimen; the first drug is called mifepristone and blocks the hormone progesterone, preventing the pregnancy from growing. The second drug, called misoprostol, is taken after and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.

The FDA only approves the abortion pill through ten weeks of gestation. Taking the abortion pill beyond this could increase the risk of complications. This is why knowing how far along you are by taking an ultrasound is the first step before getting an abortion.

The Side Effects of the Abortion Pill

The abortion pill can affect women differently. However, for the procedure to work, they must cause abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Other side effects can include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Nausea

It may take several days for the bleeding to stop after a medical abortion. During this time, there are risks to be aware of, such as an incomplete abortion (where pregnancy tissue remains inside the uterus), heavy bleeding that will not stop, and infection.

The Risk Of Ordering Abortion Pills Online

Some women may turn to ordering abortion pills online because it feels quicker and easier. It is important to understand that abortion pills online are not always regulated, and a medical evaluation beforehand is necessary to protect your health.

Certain underlying health conditions, such as an ectopic pregnancy (a non-viable pregnancy outside the uterus), can make this option completely unsafe. Without an ultrasound, an ectopic pregnancy can go undetected and potentially lead to life-threatening bleeding.

The FDA has also warned that sourcing unregulated abortion pills online is not advised because there is no way to verify the quality, effectiveness, and ingredients.

Getting An Ultrasound Before Is Important

An ultrasound before abortion is the next step. When you get an ultrasound, you will know the gestational age of your pregnancy (how far along you are), the viability of the pregnancy (if there is a heartbeat), and the location (to catch an ectopic pregnancy).

All of these factors can affect whether a medical abortion is an option. A pregnancy test alone cannot fully confirm an ongoing pregnancy, as the hormone hCG can remain elevated for a short time after a miscarriage, which may lead to a false positive result.

Find the Information You Need

CareNet Pregnancy Center of Paradise is here to offer you support if you are facing an unexpected pregnancy and want to learn more about your options.

We provide you with factual information about parenting, adoption, and abortion so you can make an informed decision, as well as pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds to give you the medical details you need.

Our appointments and pregnancy services are confidential and provided at no cost to you. We believe every woman deserves to have access to information, resources, and support.

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

CareNet Pregnancy Center of Paradise does not refer for or perform abortions.