If you’ve recently discovered that you have an unplanned pregnancy, you may think that a medical abortion is a simple solution.
However, before making any decision, you owe it to yourself and your health to get all the details and facts you can.
Read on to get valuable facts and be better equipped to make the best decision for your health and future. You can also visit LifeLine Pregnancy Center in Grover Beach for no-cost support.
What is Medical Abortion?
Medical abortion, commonly called the abortion pill, actually uses two separate drugs to terminate a healthy pregnancy.
Mifepristone is the first drug used, and it blocks the hormone progesterone, causing the pregnancy to detach from the uterine wall and stop growing. This drug ends pregnancies.
After this happens, misoprostol is then used to cause your uterus to contract, thereby forcing the pregnancy and related tissue out of your body through vaginal bleeding.
Are You Eligible for a Medical Abortion?
Not all women are eligible for a medical abortion.
According to the FDA, a medical abortion should only be an option in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. Attempting a medical abortion after 10 weeks is risky and can lead to serious health complications for you, including an incomplete abortion.
That is why having an ultrasound scan to determine the age of your pregnancy is one of the most important first steps you can take.
Additionally, some women are not eligible for medical abortion because of pre-existing conditions, including:
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD) currently in place
- Taking a blood thinner or certain steroid medications
- Being unable to make follow-up visits to your doctor
- Being unable to access emergency care
- Having an allergy to the drugs used during a medical abortion
- Having certain medical issues, such as bleeding disorders, heart or blood vessel diseases, severe lung, liver, or kidney disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
Risks of Medical Abortion
Knowing and understanding the potential risks of a medical abortion is a critical way to make sure you protect your health and well-being.
Physical risks from a medical abortion can include:
- Incomplete abortion (which may require follow-up surgical abortion)
- Prolonged heavy bleeding
- Infection (signs of infection include foul-smelling vaginal discharge and fever lasting more than 24-48 hours)
- Diarrhea and digestive pain
Studies have also found that abortion can increase the chance of mental health conditions for some women, such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and substance abuse.
Get the Answers You Need
LifeLine Pregnancy Center is here to help.
We can refer you to an on-site medical clinic for limited ultrasound, answer all your questions, and help you understand your options. You deserve to make an informed choice.
Contact us today to schedule your no-cost and confidential appointment.
