What is a Medical Abortion?

If you’re in the early stages of pregnancy, you might be considering a medical abortion, commonly known as the abortion pill. Before you decide, it’s important to understand how the process works, the risks involved, and what to expect during and after.

At Crossroads, we provide no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing so you can confirm your pregnancy and learn about your options in a caring, confidential environment. Reach out to us today to discover all the ways we’re here for you.

Or, continue reading to learn more about medical abortion and what you need to know.

How Does a Medical Abortion Work?

A medical abortion uses two drugs to end a pregnancy. The first, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain a pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24–48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.

Though these pills are usually prescribed in a clinical setting, the procedure is typically completed at home, meaning the process takes place without direct medical supervision.

For their safety, women must understand the signs of complications and be able to visit a medical provider or emergency room.

What Are the Side Effects?

The most common side effects are vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. You may experience other side effects such as:

Upset stomach
Vomiting
Fever
Chills
Diarrhea
Headache

These symptoms can vary in intensity, and it’s essential to monitor your health closely. Some side effects may indicate issues that require immediate medical attention.

What Are the Risks?

Although medical abortion is non-surgical, it is still a serious medical procedure and does carry potential risks, including:

The body not releasing all pregnancy tissue in the uterus, also called an incomplete abortion. This may require surgical treatment.
An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work.
Heavy and prolonged bleeding.
Infection.
Fever.
Digestive symptoms such as upset stomach.

These risks highlight the importance of knowing key details about your pregnancy before proceeding. You can get these details by receiving an ultrasound, which will allow you to make an informed choice.

Get the Information & Care You Need

Before making any decisions, it’s crucial to confirm your pregnancy and learn more about how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is progressing, and where it’s located.

At Crossroads, we offer no-cost lab-quality pregnancy testing, and we may be able to offer you a no-cost ultrasound based on your eligibility. Our team is here to walk with you, answer your questions, and provide the clarity and support you deserve.

Schedule your no-cost appointment today.

*All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

Source:Mayo Clinic. (2018b). Medical abortion – Mayo Clinic. Mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687