If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your unplanned pregnancy, you may feel like abortion is your only option.

However, before choosing to terminate your pregnancy, it is important to recognize that abortion is a serious medical decision.

While the abortion pill may seem harmless, it can cause unwanted effects on your physical and mental health.

Continue reading to gain a better understanding of the risks and limitations of the abortion pill.

How the Abortion Pill Works

Medical abortion, commonly referred to as the abortion pill, consists of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

Mifepristone is administered first and blocks the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus thins. The pregnancy’s growth stops, and it detaches from the uterine wall.

Misoprostol then causes the uterus to contract. The woman will experience abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding as she passes the pregnancy through her vagina.

The Risks of the Abortion Pill

Before terminating your pregnancy, it is vital to understand the impact abortion can have on your health. Heavy bleeding and infection are two potential risks associated with a medical abortion, along with incomplete abortion, an ongoing pregnancy, fever, and digestive system discomfort.

Seek medical care immediately if you experience any of the following:

  • 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

Along with the physical health risks of the abortion pill, terminating your pregnancy can also lead to a variety of negative mental health effects in some women.

Limitations of the Abortion Pill

The abortion pill is not an option for everyone. You are ineligible for a medical abortion if you:

  • Are too far along in your pregnancy (if you’ve been pregnant more than 9 weeks)
  • Have an intrauterine device (IUD)
  • Have an ectopic pregnancy
  • Have certain bleeding disorders, heart or blood vessel diseases, liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, or an uncontrolled seizure disorder
  • You take a blood thinner or steroid medication
  • Can’t make follow-up visits to your provider or don’t have access to emergency care
  • Have an allergy to the medicine used

Protect Your Health & Safety

For your safety, it is essential to learn more about your pregnancy and speak with a medical professional before having an abortion.

At Salem Pregnancy Care Center, we can provide you with a lab-quality pregnancy test, ultrasound scan, and health history evaluation with our trusted medical team.

After discussing the details of your health and pregnancy, you can gain a better understanding of your risk factors related to abortion. The medical team can answer your questions and help you navigate your options.

Contact us today for your free and confidential appointment.