If you’ve had unprotected sex and are worried that you could be pregnant, you might be wondering about the difference between Plan B and the abortion pill.

Plan B, or “the morning after pill,” acts as an emergency contraceptive to prevent pregnancy. The abortion pill terminates an existing pregnancy that has already been implanted within the uterus. 

How Plan B Works 

Plan B does not terminate an existing pregnancy but prevents the ovary from releasing an egg, fertilizing the egg, or implanting the egg into the uterine lining.

Use Plan B if you forget to use birth control or protection or if your birth control method fails. You should take Plan B as soon as possible. It is most effective when taken within 72 hours after sex but can be used up to 5 days after sex. 

Before taking Plan B, it is essential to be aware of the potential side effects, including: 

  • Fatigue
  • Spotting
  • Upset stomach or vomiting
  • Headache 
  • Dizziness
  • Breast tenderness
  • Pain in the stomach area 
  • An early or late menstrual cycle

You should contact your healthcare if your period is more than a week late. 

How the Abortion Pill Works 

The abortion pill consists of two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, and is intended for use after a pregnancy is confirmed. 

Mifepristone blocks progesterone, which prevents the pregnancy from growing, and misoprostol creates uterine contractions leading to the passing of the pregnancy tissue through the vagina. 

It can be hard to predict how your body might respond to the abortion pill. You should be aware of the following risks: 

  • Retained pregnancy tissue (an incomplete abortion)
  • Infection 
  • Heavy and prolonged bleeding 
  • Digestive upset 
  • Allergic reaction to the drugs used

Be sure to contact your healthcare provider immediately if you soak through two thick pads within an hour, don’t bleed for 24 hours after taking misoprostol, have a fever that lasts more than 24 hours, or experience symptoms of pregnancy.

Get Support Today

If you think you may be experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, Salem Pregnancy Care Center is here to help. 

Although we do not perform or refer for abortions, we provide free lab-quality pregnancy tests and ultrasound scans so you can learn more about your pregnancy. Our trusted staff can answer your questions and discuss your options. 

Contact us today for your confidential appointment. 

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