If you’re considering a chemical medical abortion, commonly called the abortion pill, knowing what to expect physically and emotionally can help you make a more informed decision.
Side effects are secondary, typically undesired effects of taking a drug. While the abortion pill will end an early pregnancy, there are many side effects to be aware of to help you understand the procedure. Risks and complications occur less often than side effects, but knowing about those is also essential.
Visit Women’s Clinic Tallahassee to confirm your pregnancy and learn everything you need to know about your pregnancy options. Check out our free and low-cost services, and schedule your confidential appointment today.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The abortion pill triggers significant side effects to end and expel a pregnancy. It uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, with the most intense side effects coming from the latter.
Mifepristone Side Effects
Mifepristone ends the pregnancy by blocking the hormone progesterone.
The side effects may include vaginal bleeding or spotting (not on the same level as misoprostol), cramps, pelvic pain, vaginal burning, itching, or discharge, and headache.
Mayo Clinic also mentions back pain, lack or loss of strength, and stomach pain, along with a long list of over fifty other potential, rare, or more serious side effects.
Misoprostol Side Effects
However, misoprostol, the second drug, is typically the one known for intense side effects.
Taken about 24-48 hours after mifepristone, its purpose is to trigger the uterus to contract to expel (push out) the pregnancy and all related tissue. The goal is to fully empty the uterus so that infection and complications do not occur.
Misoprostol triggers vaginal bleeding, producing blood clots up to the size of a lemon (larger than this requires immediate medical attention), and abdominal cramping. It can also cause nausea.
Typically, women will take pain medication during this part of the process.
What About the Risks?
The abortion pill comes with risks of incomplete abortion, infection, heavy and prolonged bleeding, fever, and digestive system discomfort.
These risks aren’t guaranteed to happen, but they’re serious if they do. That’s why women considering the abortion pill must have access to a health care provider or emergency care.
Get the Full Picture at Women’s Clinic
At Women’s Clinic Tallahassee, we provide free pregnancy testing, free limited obstetric ultrasounds (if eligibility criteria are met such as date of last menstrual period), and additional free and low-cost services to help you get the full picture before making any decisions.
Schedule an appointment today to explore your options and speak with a caring medical professional.
