The Abortion Pill
With a medical abortion, a woman intentionally takes pills to terminate her pregnancy. A medical abortion could also be referred to as abortion pills, or at-home abortion. Medical abortions can only be performed up until 10 weeks of pregnancy (or 70 days after the first day of your last menstrual period). Healthcare providers often use ultrasounds to verify how far along a woman is in her pregnancy.
The process involves two medications. The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with progesterone receptors and prevents the pregnancy from developing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.
Depending on the gestational age, a healthcare provider will prescribe the right dosage for the misoprostol, and then provide instructions about how and when to take the medications.
Contraindications for medical abortions include a pregnancy over 10 weeks, an ectopic pregnancy, and other medical conditions. All women should speak with a healthcare provider before obtaining a medical abortion and receive education regarding the risks, warning signs, and possible complications.
Alternatives Medical Clinic provides free pregnancy testing and ultrasounds to help you decide whether abortion is an option for you. We do not perform abortions or provide abortion referrals, but we provide education regarding the procedure, contraindications, and possible complications. Our medical team wants to empower you to make an informed decision about your pregnancy.
Request an appointment today or call us at 760-273-3878.
Sources used:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/medical-abortion
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3841747/
Other Abortion Pill Information
Is An At Home Abortion Safe?
An unplanned pregnancy often brings a sense of a loss of control. So, some women try an abortion at home because it seems like an easy way to regain control and end their pregnancy. Abortions at home have risks and considerations. Before making a quick decision, consider your options so you can make an informed … Continued
Can I Have an Abortion with Misoprostol Only?
If you’re experiencing an unplanned pregnancy and researching your options, you may have discovered the recent legal battles concerning the abortion pill. All of the information can feel overwhelming, especially as you try to decide what step to take next. Here’s everything you need to know about the two pills used in abortion. What … Continued
Extra Abortion Pills
Every year, millions of women experience unplanned pregnancies. Sometimes women offer their friends advice or practical help with their pregnancy, and even offer a friend her abortion pills. But taking another woman’s abortion pills or medication could be extremely dangerous! When faced with an unplanned pregnancy, it’s crucial to get all the facts, so … Continued