The abortion pill is often discussed as an early pregnancy option, but understanding how it works and the potential risks involved is an important part of protecting your health and making an informed decision.
At Reach Out Pregnancy, free and confidential services are available, including lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and reliable guidance about pregnancy options. Reach out to schedule a no-cost, private appointment today.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The abortion pill typically involves two drugs taken at different times. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and bleed, expelling the pregnancy.
The abortion pill is FDA-approved for use through 10 weeks gestation. Medical guidelines and potential risks vary by gestational age, which is why confirming how far along a pregnancy is can help provide clearer medical context.
Common Side Effects
Side effects are expected as the body responds to abortion pills. Common side effects may include:
- Vaginal bleeding that can be heavier than a regular period
- Abdominal cramping
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Headache, dizziness, or fatigue
- Fever or chills for a short time
The intensity and duration of these symptoms vary. While some women describe symptoms similar to a heavy period, others experience severe pain or heavier bleeding.
Possible Medical Risks
In addition to expected side effects, the abortion pill carries potential risks that are important to understand. These may include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding that requires medical care*
- Incomplete abortion, when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus
- Ongoing pregnancy if the drug is not effective
- Infection, which may cause fever, severe pain, or abnormal discharge; if left untreated, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), increasing the risk of future fertility complications
- Undiagnosed ectopic pregnancy, which cannot be treated with abortion pills and can be life-threatening
*Bleeding that soaks through two or more pads an hour for two consecutive hours, or passing clots the size of a lemon, is not typical and requires immediate medical attention. Some complications may not be immediately noticeable, which is why follow-up care is important.
Why Medical Screening Matters
An ultrasound provides important information about gestational age, pregnancy location, and viability, meaning whether the pregnancy is developing. This helps identify safety concerns, such as ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage, and offers a clearer medical context about which options may be appropriate based on your situation.
If you’re seeking information about the abortion pill, Reach Out Pregnancy provides free and confidential services to help you understand your pregnancy and the medical considerations involved. Private consultations and limited ultrasounds are available so you can ask questions and receive accurate information in a respectful, pressure-free setting.
Schedule a private appointment today to talk things through with a caring, trained team member.
Reach Out Pregnancy does not provide or refer for abortions.