We’re glad you are asking this question. Experts list several reasons why the abortion pill method may not be a safe option for you. Review the list and get a complete health checkup before moving forward.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill method is also known as a medical or chemical abortion because it uses two different drugs to terminate a pregnancy.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary to support a pregnancy. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot survive.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes bleeding and cramping to remove the pregnancy from your body. Although every woman experiences an abortion differently, some say the contractions after taking misoprostol are extreme.
Why Would the Abortion Pill Not Be a Safe Option?
It’s critical to your health and safety to review the following list:
- Your pregnancy is too far along. The FDA approves the drugs only through 10 weeks of pregnancy. The further along you are, the less effective the drugs are.
- You are allergic to either mifepristone or misoprostol.
- You have an ectopic pregnancy. Although rare, some pregnancies grow outside the uterus, which can have life-threatening consequences.
- You use long-term corticosteroids. Some women take corticosteroids to treat arthritis, asthma, eczema, or other conditions.
- You have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place.
- You have a blood clotting disorder, significant anemia, or chronic adrenal failure.
- You don’t have access to emergency care.
An ultrasound is the easiest way to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy and its location.
What If You’re No Longer Pregnant?
That seems like a strange question, but there is a slight possibility you have miscarried. Experts estimate that as many as 26% of all pregnancies end in a miscarriage. Because it takes a woman’s body time to return to pre-pregnancy hormone levels, it’s possible to get a positive pregnancy test and no longer be pregnant.
Free and Confidential Pregnancy Services
So, how do you find out exactly how far along you are, if your pregnancy is ectopic, or if you have miscarried? An ultrasound is the most accurate way to get the information you need.
At the Pregnancy Resource Center, we provide free and confidential pregnancy services. You can take a free pregnancy test. If the test is positive, we can discuss the possibility of an ultrasound.
Protect your health and safety first. Make an appointment and let our trained staff get you the answers you need. We’re here for you.
PRC of Southwest OK does not perform or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.