Pregnancy can bring a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s not always a happy occasion to stare down at a positive pregnancy test.
If you’re currently walking through an unexpected pregnancy, you may have begun to look into an abortion. Abortions are available in a couple of different forms, but today we will explore what the abortion pill is, how it works, and facts you should know before scheduling the procedure.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill, also referred to as a medical abortion, uses a combination of two drugs to stop a pregnancy from growing and then expel the pregnancy.
Mifepristone is taken first to block the pregnancy hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, a pregnancy will not continue to grow. Around 24-48 hours later, you will take misoprostol to bring on uterine contractions and expel the pregnancy.
Women should expect mild cramping, heavy bleeding, nausea, chills, or fever for a few days after taking the abortion pill.
How to Prepare for a Medical Abortion
An abortion is a serious medical procedure and it’s important to prepare your body and mind for optimal recovery.
Verify Your Pregnancy
The first thing needed is a medical-grade pregnancy test to confirm you’re still pregnant. Around 20% of all pregnancies will end in natural miscarriage, so you’ll want to be sure an abortion is still needed before jumping into the procedure.
Have an Ultrasound
Ultrasounds provide essential information about a pregnancy to ensure women receive the best of care.
If you’re not quite sure how many weeks along your pregnancy is, an ultrasound will give you that answer. Knowing exactly how old your pregnancy is will allow you to choose what type of abortion is best for your situation.
Ultrasounds are also the only way to detect an ectopic pregnancy. Ectopic pregnancies are when the fertilized egg implants and grows outside of the uterus. This type of pregnancy is not viable and must be removed promptly to avoid serious health complications.
Get Tested For STDs
Did you know certain STDs like syphilis can pass from mother to child during pregnancy? Even if you don’t have symptoms, it’s a good idea to get tested for STDs before an abortion.
Many STDs can occur without causing any symptoms at all, and some can cause damage to your reproductive organs if left untreated.
Finding Local Support
You don’t have to struggle through a surprise pregnancy alone. Pregnancy Options LifeCare Center is here to provide no-cost pregnancy services and the support you need during this unexpected life event.
Call our office today at 507-332-7644 to schedule a pregnancy confirmation test or ultrasound. Hope is right around the corner. Contact us.