If you are considering terminating your pregnancy and are a resident of Maryland, you are not alone. However, every situation is unique, so it’s essential to research the process, gather the facts, and consider your health and wellbeing.
The abortion pill is a series of drugs you take that first stops the pregnancy from growing and then expelling the fetus and pregnancy tissue (the process is very similar to an early miscarriage).
Taking the abortion pill is also called a medication abortion, and it comprises up to 40% of abortions in the US. This early procedure is only prescribed for up to 70 days (10 weeks).
How Does it Work?
The first drug you take is mifepristone. This drug is an antiprogestin, which prevents your progesterone levels from increasing, which stops the pregnancy.
24-48 hours later, misoprostol, the second drug, is taken. This second pill will force your uterus to contract to expel the fetus and other pregnancy tissues.
Does the Abortion Pill Have Side Effects?
Yes, you will experience primarily intense cramping and vaginal bleeding. Typically, the first pill does cause some discomfort, but the intensity varies from woman to woman.
However, after taking the second pill, misoprostol, whose purpose is to empty the uterus of pregnancy tissue, you can expect cramping and heavy bleeding for between 4-5 hours. It’s not abnormal to see large clots of blood up to the size of lemons.
What Are the Risks?
Any medical procedure will always pose a type of risk. Here is a list of potential side effects listed by the Mayo Clinic:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Additionally, you should avoid medical abortions if you have any of the following pre-existing conditions:
- An intrauterine device (IUD)
- Allergies to the medications used in the medical abortion
- Heart, blood vessel, liver, kidney, or lung diseases
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Use of blood thinners or steroid medications
When deciding to terminate your pregnancy with a medical abortion, it’s essential to consider the gestational age of your pregnancy. We offer viability ultrasounds at no cost if you are located in Bowie, Maryland (or the surrounding areas). Ultrasound helps you determine the stage of your pregnancy and eliminate any health complications.
Schedule one today with Bowie, M.D., and our staff will be happy to assist and answer any questions in a confidential, pressure-free environment.