This new blog post in our series on the abortion pill explains what to expect when taking the pill. Is it a bother? How long does it take to get to this point? What are the possible abortion pill side effects? Please come and meet the baby. You may be about to take the abortion pill or have already begun the process and are wondering what will happen next. Abortion pills are widely assumed to be more natural and less painful than in-clinic surgical procedures. Is it true, though?
Our mission is to provide you with timely information while ensuring your safety and well-being. As a result, keep reading to find out even more information.
What is an abortion pill?
Mifepristone and misoprostol are the two sets of drugs that make up their name. Mifepristone, the first pill, prevents the body’s natural progesterone from being released into the bloodstream. Progesterone is required for the fetus to remain attached to the uterine lining. To induce labor and remove the embryo, the woman administers misoprostol intravenously or orally.
Essential to keep in mind that experts strongly advise against the use of the abortion pill after 70 days (10 weeks) of pregnancy (counted from the first day of the last menstrual period). According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnancy should be confirmed and gestational age estimated before a medication abortion is performed.
Expected symptoms of the abortion pill
A miscarriage can be very painful, and medication abortions have been likened to that. Women can expect to experience cramping and bleeding (including the passage of large blood clots) due to their period. Misoprostol usually causes these side effects after the second pill has been taken. Some women may only feel as much discomfort as they would during a hefty period, but others may find it excruciating (even after taking the recommended nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
It is estimated that “the most severe pain occurs approximately 2.5 – 4 hours after misoprostol use and lasts approximately 1 hour.” However, remember that no two women are alike, and no one can tell in advance what each one will go through.
Abortion pills have many unwanted side effects that women should be aware of, including cramping and bleeding. After two days of taking the two pills, the most common abortion pill side effects include:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Fever/chills
- Vomiting
Some women can return to work within a few days of taking the abortion pill, while others continue to feel the effects for several weeks.
Potential severe side effects
It’s not safe to take the abortion pill. Even though it is regarded as “safe,” many women report the following:
- Incomplete abortions
- Infections
- Excessive and long-lasting blood loss (which can last several weeks)
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reported 24 mifepristone-related deaths as of December 31, 2018. (the first abortion pill in the medication abortion regimen.) In addition, the FDA notified more than 100 infections and 274 hospitalizations. A misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy or an incomplete abortion can both result in disease. Some parts of the developing baby are retained in the uterus during an incomplete abortion.
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo grows outside the uterus, and the fetus fails. Both cases must be handled quickly to prevent the woman from developing sepsis and possibly dying. Misoprostol is given to some women to help pass the remaining embryo, while an in-clinic surgical abortion is required for others.
As a result of misoprostol use, some women have suffered from anaphylactic shock. Medical attention is required immediately for this severe allergic reaction. Finally, every woman who plans to have an abortion should be aware that if she has Rh-negative blood and does not receive a RhoGAM injection, she may become infertile.
When to visit a doctor?
Severe bleeding poses a serious health risk. A woman should seek medical attention immediately if she soaks more than two maxi pads per hour for two hours. Additionally, some symptoms may indicate a disease. The following are examples:
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Or diarrhea and weakness, with or without abdominal pain,
To be safe, even if the woman does not have a fever, she should call a doctor.
Is it possible to see the baby while having a medication abortion?
The woman’s stage of pregnancy plays a role. Eight weeks after conception, the embryo becomes a fetus, albeit not yet fully developed, with all organs present, including the arms and legs. As a result, some women claim to have visions of their unborn child after expelling it. Many women may find the sight upsetting, especially if they are alone and have no one to confide in.
Are you looking into a medication abortion?
There are a few things you’ll need to do before you can get a pregnancy test. First, you can get a free pregnancy test and ultrasound at Lifeline by making an appointment. A professional will be available to discuss your options and assess your needs if our medical team confirms that you are pregnant.
What if you’ve already taken the first pill and have second thoughts? It’s possible that it can be undone. The reversal of the effects of mifepristone, the drug used to end abortion, may be possible with our abortion pill reversals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the abortion pill affect the body?
Taking the abortion pill will not have any long-term effects on your body, despite some misinformation. Most women report feeling physically fine within a few days of their procedure. Some people can return to their regular routines immediately, while others need a little more time to recuperate (no one is judging you if you keep watching Netflix — trust us!).
For a few weeks or more after their abortion, many women experience light bleeding or spotting. Until the bleeding stops, you should avoid strenuous physical activity and overexertion. Eating well and drinking plenty of water can also help. It's best if you plan to follow your body's lead.
Taking the abortion pill will not raise your risk of breast cancer or harm your fertility. Abortion is a completely painless procedure that poses no threat to a woman's future pregnancies or her physical or mental well-being. These are common misconceptions that have no basis.
What are the side effects after taking the first abortion pill?
The effects of medication abortion are unique to each individual. Plan to rest and relax on the day you take your second medication. You may be exhausted for one or two days following the procedure, but you should return to your usual self soon.
If you're up to it, you can return to work, school, driving, and other everyday activities the following day. But avoid strenuous activity for several days at a time. In time, you should feel better, but if you continue to be unwell, contact your doctor or local health center immediately.
Can misoprostol cause damage to the womb?
A miscarriage or an incomplete miscarriage, as well as potentially fatal uterine bleeding, can all be side effects of misoprostol. Pregnant women should not take misoprostol. When taking this medication and for at least one month after your treatment, you should use an effective form of birth control to prevent pregnancy.
Can misoprostol affect future pregnancy?
In cases of first-trimester missed abortions, misoprostol is an acceptable treatment that has no negative impact on future fertility.
