Mifepristone and misoprostol are the two drugs involved in a medical abortion (also known as the “abortion pill”). These two drugs work together to terminate a pregnancy and expel it from the uterus.
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering a medical abortion, it’s critical to understand the associated risks to ensure you make an educated decision and protect your health.
How Do Mifepristone and Misoprostol Work?
Mifepristone is taken first, and it blocks progesterone, a hormone that’s essential during pregnancy. Without progesterone, the uterine lining will thin and loosen, causing the pregnancy to detach and end.
Misoprostol is taken next. It causes your uterus to contract, which expels the pregnancy from your body.
What Are the Risks of Mifepristone and Misoprostol?
Mifepristone and misoprostol are powerful drugs. After taking them, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. While every woman’s experience is individual, some women report that the pain is severe.
These drugs are associated with risks, which include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in your uterus
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
How Can I Protect My Health?
Getting an ultrasound is the number one way to protect your health before seeking an abortion. This simple scan will give you the essential information you need to know beforehand, including:
- Gestational age: The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks or under, and taking them when your pregnancy is further along puts you at risk for complications.
- Pregnancy location: Rarely, a pregnancy will develop outside of the uterus. This is a life-threatening emergency known as ectopic pregnancy, and it requires immediate medical intervention.
- Viability: Roughly 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and if you’ve experienced one, you will need medical follow-up to ensure you don’t face any complications.
At A Woman’s Concern, we offer limited obstetrical ultrasounds at no cost because we believe you deserve the information needed to stay safe. Contact us today to schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment.
