An unplanned pregnancy can feel like it demands answers before you are ready to give them. If a medical abortion is something you are considering, taking the time to understand exactly what it involves and what it may mean for your body is one of the most important steps you can take before making any decision.
At Ohana Health, our team provides free, confidential support in a caring, non-judgmental environment. Our registered nurse is available to walk alongside you and answer your questions with honesty and compassion.
Reach out to schedule an appointment today.
What Happens During a Medical Abortion
A medical abortion, often called the abortion pill, is not a single pill but an FDA-approved two-drug regimen used to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks of gestation.
The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone responsible for sustaining a pregnancy. Once this hormone is cut off, the pregnancy stops developing and detaches from the uterine wall.
The second drug, misoprostol, follows a day or two later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and related tissue through cramping and vaginal bleeding. The intensity of this experience can range significantly from one woman to the next, and for many, it is more physically demanding than anticipated.
Common Side Effects
Beyond cramping and bleeding, women may also experience these side effects:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
Risks to Understand
As with any medical procedure, risks exist and should be carefully considered before proceeding. Possible complications include:
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- An incomplete abortion requiring additional medical treatment
- In rare cases, the pregnancy continues if the drugs are not effective
These risks can vary based on individual circumstances, which is why speaking with a medical professional beforehand is strongly encouraged.
Get the Full Picture First
Before moving forward with any pregnancy decision, having complete and accurate information about your pregnancy is essential. At Ohana Health, our registered nurse performs clinical pregnancy testing and can supply a pregnancy verification form if needed.
Following a positive pregnancy test at our clinic or with proof of pregnancy from a medical provider, clients may be eligible for a no-cost limited ultrasound. This scan can help verify the pregnancy’s location to detect a potential ectopic pregnancy, estimate how far along you are, and assess viability by detecting a fetal heartbeat.
Whether you come in alone or with your partner, our client advocates are here to support you. We also provide services and support for men navigating an unplanned pregnancy alongside their partner.
Support That Does Not End at the Door
If you have already had an abortion and are processing difficult emotions afterward, Ohana Health provides free mental and emotional support as well as referrals to local community resources to help you find the care and healing you deserve.
Whatever your situation looks like, you do not have to face it alone. Contact Ohana Health today to book your free, confidential appointment.
Ohana Health does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
