Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering the abortion pill?
While you may have heard that the abortion pill method is the quickest way to handle an unexpected pregnancy, your healthcare provider should evaluate your pregnancy to ensure that you are eligible to take the drugs.
Keep reading to learn about how the abortion pill works, whether you are eligible, and how to make sure you make the best decision for your health and well-being.
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill, also known as medical abortion, uses two different drugs—mifepristone and misoprostol to terminate a viable pregnancy.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, preventing the fertilized egg from remaining implanted in the uterus. Misoprostol, the second drug, forces the uterus to contract and expel the fertilized egg and pregnancy tissue out of the body.
Limitations to Using the Abortion Pill Method
Individual factors that can impact your eligibility for a medical abortion include the age of the pregnancy, the location of the pregnancy, and your personal medical history.
Age of Pregnancy
Confirming the age of your pregnancy is essential before attempting a medical abortion.
The FDA approves the use of the abortion drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy only. The further along you are in your pregnancy, the less effective the drugs are. This can lead to serious complications, including an incomplete abortion and infection.
An incomplete abortion can be a serious health issue, requiring additional medical intervention, such as a surgical abortion.
Location of Pregnancy
The vast majority of pregnancies implant normally in the uterus. However, it is possible for a pregnancy to implant outside of the uterus, such as in a fallopian tube.
This complication is known as an ectopic pregnancy and is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical intervention to protect your health.
It is crucial to know that an abortion provider can not treat an ectopic pregnancy with the abortion pill.
Medical History
Pre-existing conditions or your medical history are factors that may limit your eligibility for an abortion.
These factors can include:
- Being too far along in your pregnancy
- Having an intrauterine device (IUD)
- Taking a blood thinner or certain steroid medications
- Inability to access emergency care
- Having an allergy to the drugs used during a medical abortion
- Having specific medical issues such as bleeding disorders, heart or blood vessel diseases, severe lung, liver, or kidney disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
Talking with your medical provider to confirm your eligibility for a medical abortion is a crucial step to protect your health and well-being.
Getting the Support You Need
Determining your eligibility for the abortion pill and understanding the risks is not something you should attempt alone.
HopePlace Monticello is here to support you and provide the resources you need to find answers about your pregnancy.
We provide free pregnancy test confirmation and a referral for an ultrasound scan if your test results are positive. An ultrasound provides essential details like the age and location of your pregnancy. You can also learn if your pregnancy is developing or if you have miscarried. Over one in four pregnancies ends in a miscarriage.
Our trained staff can also answer all your questions and share the available options.
Contact us today to schedule your free appointment.
HopePlace Monticello does not perform or refer for abortion.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.