Mifepristone and misoprostol are two separate drugs that are typically taken together as part of a medical abortion (also known as the “abortion pill”) in the US. However, mifepristone can be taken alone to terminate a pregnancy.
If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering taking misoprostol, it’s critical to learn all you can to ensure you’re making an educated decision.
How Do Mifepristone and Misoprostol Work?
Mifepristone is taken first, and it blocks progesterone. Without this necessary hormone, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, causing your pregnancy to detach and terminate.
Misoprostol is taken next. It causes your uterus to contract, which expels your terminated pregnancy from your uterus and out through your vagina.
What Happens if I Only Take Misoprostol?
Misoprostol causes intense uterine contractions. If you take it without first taking mifepristone, your pregnancy will end due to these contractions forcing the pregnancy from your uterus.
Furthermore, when you take misoprostol alone, it’s less effective at ending pregnancy than taking mifepristone first.
What Are the Risks of the Abortion Drugs?
After taking misoprostol, with or without mifepristone, you will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. And some women have reported that the pain is exceptionally severe and unexpected.
However, physical complications are also possible. Although rare, they include:
- Incomplete abortion, which is when parts of the terminated pregnancy remain in the uterus
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
How Can I Protect My Health?
Before seeking a medical abortion or making any pregnancy choice, it’s vital to get an ultrasound. This simple scan will give you the information you need to stay safe, including:
- Gestational age: The abortion drugs are only FDA-approved if your pregnancy is 10 weeks gestation or under. If you take these drugs and your pregnancy is further along, you’re more likely to experience a risk.
- Location: Rarely, a pregnancy will develop outside your uterus (on average, this occurs in 1 out of every 100 pregnancies). This is a life-threatening emergency known as an ectopic pregnancy, and it needs immediate medical intervention.
- Viability: Roughly 26% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, and if you’ve had one, you will need medical follow-up to ensure you don’t face any complications.
At A Woman’s Concern, we offer free, limited obstetrical ultrasound exams because we believe you deserve access to all the information necessary to protect your health and make an informed decision.
You’re not alone as you navigate your pregnancy options. We’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment.
