A medical abortion is one option for your unexpected pregnancy, but before making a decision, ensure you’re adequately informed. Your health depends on understanding how this abortion method can affect you.
If you want to learn about your options, schedule an appointment with a registered nurse at Informed Choices Women’s Center. They can confirm your pregnancy and discuss your next steps.
Understanding This Abortion Method
Medical abortions are FDA-approved through 10 weeks, so they should only occur during your first trimester. Having this type of abortion past the recommended gestational age can pose health risks.
This abortion method uses drugs to end a pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone. Progesterone helps the pregnancy grow and develop, so without it, the uterine lining will shed, and the pregnancy ends.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes your uterus to contract. This action expels the pregnancy and related tissues from your body.
Medical abortion-related side effects can vary. You’ll always have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding, but other side effects may occur, including:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Chills
You can experience certain health risks with a medical abortion, though they are rare. These include:
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
- Infection
- Heavy, prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion (which may require surgical treatment)
- An ongoing preMedical Abortionnancy (if the drugs don’t work)
Before Making a Pregnancy Decision
It’s understandable if you’re feeling nervous or overwhelmed. After all, an unexpected pregnancy can be stressful, especially when you must make a decision.
Before deciding, you should medically confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound, which verifies key details and provides vital health information. Informed Choices Women’s Center offers limited abdominal ultrasounds up to 13 weeks gestation.
We can also discuss each of your pregnancy options: adoption, parenting, and abortion. You’ll have the information needed to make a decision with your well-being in mind.
Schedule a no-cost, confidential appointment with a registered nurse today. You can also call one of our two locations: Mountain Home (870-424-4673) or Harrison (870-280-3169).