What is a Medical Abortion?

Medical abortion is available only if you are in your first trimester. It begins with taking a drug called mifepristone, which acts as an antiprogesterone. It blocks the placenta and uterus from receiving progesterone so that the pregnancy cannot progress.

After taking mifepristone, the next step is to expel the pregnancy tissue and fetus from the uterus, which is where the second pill, misoprostol, comes in about 48 hours later.

Discomfort is associated more with this step and includes heavy bleeding, cramping, and large blood clots. It is common for bleeding to continue up to two weeks after the pregnancy.

Even when taking the abortion pill as prescribed, you may still be at risk for serious health complications and severe discomfort. Risks of the abortion pill include infection, sepsis, hemorrhaging, and *incomplete abortion. (*Surgical abortion may be required in this case.)

While some providers sell the abortion pill online, we highly discourage ordering them online. Not only could you be farther along in your pregnancy than you think, which can be very dangerous, but this also bypasses the important physician oversight needed for a medical abortion. Ordering the abortion pill online may seem convenient, but it comes with risks to your health, especially if no ultrasound was required before hand. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/020687Orig1s025Lbl.pdf

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How Does Surgical Abortion Work?

Although medication abortion is most popular for the first trimester, surgical abortions can also happen in the first trimester, but they occur within a clinic. Depending on the gestational age of the fetus, the cervix may have to be softened, usually by tablets taken by mouth.

Suction is then used to remove the fetus and placenta. The leftover pregnancy tissues are cleaned with a medical tool called a curette, which looks like a long thick needle. Risks of a surgical abortion include infection, sepsis, hemorrhaging, puncturing of the uterus, and damage to the cervix, which may lead to future fertility complications.

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What Should I Do Before an Abortion?

Before deciding to get an abortion, getting an ultrasound is essential. This will reveal crucial information about your pregnancy and determine if you are eligible for an abortion or if the procedure is even necessary. (28% of all pregnancies end in miscarriage before 8 weeks gestation) The only way to confirm the gestational age of the pregnancy and the viability of it is with an ultrasound. Deciding if abortion is the right path for you can be a big decision. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your options and receive an ultrasound in a supportive, confidential environment.