What is the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is a series of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Approved by the FDA through 10 weeks of pregnancy, these two drugs work in the first trimester to end a pregnancy and then expel the embryo or fetus and related tissue from the uterus.

Learn more about how the abortion pill works and the recommended health screenings to consider beforehand. Do you want to talk in person and confirm your pregnancy? Visit Positive Options at one of our four locations today.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone your body needs to support a pregnancy. Without it, the pregnancy will end.

About 24 to 48 hours later, you take the second drug, misoprostol. This causes abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, which forces your body to expel the embryo or fetus and related pregnancy tissue. 

What are the Risks of a Medical Abortion?

According to the Mayo Clinic, potential risks of medical abortion include:

• An incomplete abortion, which may require a surgical procedure

• An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work

• Heavy and prolonged bleeding

• Infection

• Fever

• Digestive system discomfort

It’s essential to know the warning signs of excessive bleeding, infection, and when to seek medical care. Because this type of abortion occurs at home, it’s essential to have access to a provider or emergency room.

Considering Your Pregnancy Options?

You’ve taken an important first step in exploring your pregnancy options. An important next step is taking a pregnancy test, which we offer free of charge. If you test positive for pregnancy, we also offer a no-cost ultrasound to provide critical health details.

An ultrasound can confirm your pregnancy’s location, viability, and gestational age, all of which help determine your options and assess your safety. For example, if you are farther along than ten weeks of pregnancy, the abortion pill will not be an option due to safety considerations.

Additionally, because as many as 26% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, knowing whether the pregnancy is progressing can help you understand if you may need miscarriage care.

You are more than your situation. At Positive Options, we are prepared to help with pregnancy services, resources, and a safe space for you to ask questions and get the answers you need. Contact us today!