If you’re considering medical abortion, you might be wondering about abortion pill side effects. Knowing the facts empowers you to make informed decisions about your health, menstrual cycle, and well-being.
The Abortion Pill: What is it?
The abortion pill, also known as medical abortion, is a way to end a pregnancy using two different medicines — mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks the hormone that the pregnancy needs to continue (to end the pregnancy), and misoprostol is used to expel the pregnancy tissue.2 It’s very important to remember that this method, when you take mifepristone and misoprostol is only approved to be used during the early stages of pregnancy (up 10 weeks).1
Abortion PIll Side Effects
Taking the abortion pill (misoprostol) is a medical procedure, and it’s always best to consult a healthcare provider before you take this medication and end the pregnancy. It’s important for you to be monitored for several hours after taking it, if you do.
Common side effects include:2
- Heavy bleeding and cramping that’s more than a normal period.2 Bleeding may last up to 30 days.2
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Fever/Chills
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
After taking the abortion pill, some women will have bleeding so heavy that it requires surgery. Sometimes, the pregnancy doesn’t completely pass from the uterus, and surgery would also be needed.2
Life-threatening bleeding and infections are also risks.2
The medical abortion can also cause side effects when a woman is taking other medications, combined with misoprostol (including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements).2
It’s very important to talk with a healthcare provider before taking this medication. ThriVe offers no-cost pre-abortion screenings so you can get the info you need.
Why An Ultrasound Matters
Like we mentioned, the FDA has only approved the abortion pill to be used in pregnancies up to 10 weeks. The medication is not approved for use in pregnancies that are further along.2
Many women aren’t exactly sure when they became pregnant, but timing is important when it comes to taking the abortion pill.
How do you know how far along your pregnancy is?
An ultrasound gives you information about your choices.
Here’s why it’s important to get an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill:
1. Confirming Pregnancy
Even if you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, it’s important to have an ultrasound to confirm that you’re really pregnant. Sometimes a woman can have a positive test and symptoms like tender breasts and morning sickness, but the pregnancy is already ending.3 About 10-20% of pregnancies end in miscarriage, but the number might be higher.4 The abortion pill causes heavy cramping and bleeding from the uterus. Abortion pill side effects can also include things like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.2 Confirming the pregnancy with an ultrasound can avoid going through these side effects unnecessarily.
2. Detecting Ectopic Pregnancy
Sometimes, the pregnancy begins growing outside of the uterus. This is called an ectopic pregnancy, and it is a serious condition that needs quick medical attention.5 The abortion pill won’t work for pregnancies that aren’t in the uterus.2 An ultrasound can detect this issue early on.
3. Determining The Pregnancy Stage
The abortion pill is only approved for use in early pregnancy. An ultrasound helps you understand the choices available to you.
Preventing Unwanted Pregnancies
If you’re concerned about abortion pill side effects, delaying sex (for now) is the only way to make 100% sure you won’t get pregnant. Even if you’re already sexually active, you can always choose to push the pause button. It’s entirely okay to choose not to have sex until in a lifelong committed monogamous relationship, such as a marriage relationship, where you will both be ready for the possibility of a pregnancy.
Talking to Someone You Trust
If you’ve had an abortion or are considering one, it’s important to have someone you trust to talk to about your feelings and concerns. It’s okay to seek emotional support during this time. Friends, family members, or counselors can be valuable sources of comfort and guidance.
Here at ThriVe, we’re here to provide support, medically-accurate information, and information about your choices — without judgment. Whether you’re wondering more about abortion pill side effects, considering an abortion, or have already had one and need someone to talk to, reach out to us. We are here to help you through this process and provide a safe space for you to express your feelings. Make a no-cost appointment today to get some support.
Understanding the abortion pill and its side effects helps you in making the best decisions about your health. It’s always best to have an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill. Remember that you don’t have to go through this process alone; talk to someone you trust, and organizations like ThriVe are here to support you. It’s also entirely okay to delay sex until you’re in that lifelong, committed monogamous relationship such as marriage in order to avoid an unintended pregnancy.
Sources:
2 Mifeprex (mifepristone) tablets, for oral use
3 Blighted ovum: What causes it? – Mayo Clinic
