When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, it’s crucial to take into account the potential side effects and associated risks of using the abortion pill.

The abortion pill is more than just something you take to end a pregnancy; it’s a serious medical procedure.

What Is The Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, is a series of two drugs. First, you are given mifepristone, usually administered at an abortion clinic. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone.

Next, you are sent home with misoprostol. You will take this at home 24-48 hours after the first pill. Misoprostol causes contractions and expels the pregnancy from the uterus.

The abortion pill is FDA-approved through 10 weeks gestation (how far along you are).

What Are The Side Effects?

The most severe side effects of a medical abortion usually show up right after you take the second pill. Once you’ve taken both doses of the medication, here’s what you can expect:

Bleeding and cramping starts between one and four hours after taking the second pill.
Heavy bleeding with blood clots occurs for the next several hours.
Heavy cramping occurs for several hours.
A low fever or chills that last about a day after taking the second pill can result. Others report having diarrhea or feeling tired, nauseous, or dizzy.

What Are The Risks?

Using the abortion pill comes with certain potential health hazards. While the risks are more uncommon than the side effects, it’s important to be aware of them.

Take a look at some of the risks of the abortion pill:

• Incomplete abortion
• Heavy bleeding that will not stop
• Infection
• Fever
• Diarrhea and digestive pain
• Allergic reaction to the medications

Given these risks, it’s critical to establish follow-up care after taking the abortion pill.

Safeguard Your Health

These are just some of the things you can expect if you are considering the abortion pill. You should consider talking to a specialist before seeking an abortion.

The Southern Ohio Pregnancy Center provides free pregnancy services, like pregnancy testing and options counseling. Our knowledgeable team can give you valuable information on abortion in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment. However, we do not provide or refer for abortions.

Call (937) 393-2990 or text us at (937) 509-0108. You can also visit us online here to make an appointment.