What Are the Risks of the Abortion Pill?

May 15, 2024

When you have an unplanned pregnancy, there’s much to consider. You’re likely wondering which pregnancy option is best for your situation. 

It’s crucial to learn everything you can about your pregnancy options. For some women, the abortion pill (also known as medical abortion) seems like the best solution. However, knowing the risks of this option is critical before moving forward. 

Elevate Women’s Center believes you should always have access to the information you need to make an informed decision. That’s why we provide no-cost pre-abortion screenings so you can get your questions answered. 

The Abortion Pill: What Should I Know?

First, know that abortion in Arkansas is illegal unless it’s deemed necessary to save the p.regnant woman’s life. For most people, this means they’d have to travel out of state for an abortion procedure. 

With the abortion pill, drugs are used to end the pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, and misoprostol causes uterine contractions that expel the pregnancy and related tissues from the uterus. 

Anyone who takes the abortion pill drugs will have abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. They can also experience the following side effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Chills

The FDA has approved the abortion pill through 10 weeks gestation, which means that taking these drugs after the recommended time frame is not recommended and could jeopardize your health. 

There are also risks you should be aware of. These are rare, but they could still occur:

• Infection
• Digestive system discomfort
• Fever
• Incomplete abortion (which may need to be followed by a surgical procedure)
• An ongoing pregnancy (if the drugs don’t work)

You know your body best, and it’s vital to remain vigilant after taking abortion pill drugs. There’s no shame in seeking medical help if you feel something is “off” or “doesn’t feel right.”

You should also receive immediate medical attention if the following signs occur:

• Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
• Severe abdominal or back pain
• Fever lasting more than 24 hours
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

How We Help You Protect Your Health

Making a pregnancy decision can be challenging, including if you’re considering abortion. Before deciding, receive a pre-abortion screening from us. During this screening, you’ll:

1. Confirm a potential pregnancy with a medical-grade pregnancy test.
2. Confirm your pregnancy’s viability (whether it is progressing and has a detectable heartbeat) and location with an ultrasound. This scan provides key pregnancy details and protects your health.
3. Receive STD testing (and treatment as necessary).

With these steps, you’ll be alerted to possible issues like an ectopic pregnancy, which always requires emergency medical care. You can also learn more about your pregnancy options and discuss the risks and side effects of abortion. 

Your health matters, and you deserve accurate, trustworthy information. Book a no-cost appointment today to learn more.