When you find out you are facing an unplanned pregnancy, it is natural to look for answers fast. The problem is that a lot of what circulates online about medical abortion leaves out details that matter for your health.
At Spero Medical, we provide confidential services including medically verified pregnancy testing and ultrasounds from 6 weeks and further, all at no cost. Request an appointment today.
Here are five things about medical abortion that often do not make it into the conversation.
1: Where the Pregnancy Is Located Changes Everything
When a pregnancy develops outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube, it is called an ectopic pregnancy. Taking the abortion pill in this situation will not end the pregnancy and can delay the emergency care that is actually needed. The FDA identifies ectopic pregnancy as a condition that makes Mifepristone unsafe to use. An ultrasound is how a pregnancy’s location gets confirmed, and it is a step that cannot be skipped.
2: Gestational Age Determines Whether the Pill Is Even an Option
The FDA approves medical abortion only through 70 days, or 10 weeks, from the first day of the last menstrual period. Beyond that point, the likelihood of an incomplete abortion rises, and medical intervention becomes more probable. A home testing result cannot tell you where you fall in that window. Gestational age needs to be confirmed through ultrasound.
3: Not All Pregnancies Are Progressing When You Test Positive
A positive result means the pregnancy hormone hCG is present, but it does not confirm the pregnancy is still developing. Miscarriage affects an estimated 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies, and it can happen before any physical signs appear. An ultrasound checks for viability so you are not making decisions based on incomplete information.
4: Online Sources for the Abortion Pill Carry Real Risks
Medical abortion is not a one-size-fits-all option. The mifepristone label identifies several contraindications, meaning conditions that make the drug unsafe to use, including an IUD in place, certain bleeding disorders, long-term corticosteroid use, and adrenal insufficiency. Speaking with a medical professional about your personal health history before making a decision gives you a fuller picture of your situation.
5: Follow-Up Care Is a Required Part of the Process
Medical abortion involves two drugs taken in sequence. Mifepristone is taken first to block progesterone, the hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken one to two days later to cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through cramping and vaginal bleeding.
Cramping and heavy bleeding are expected, but many women find the experience more physically demanding than anticipated. Additional side effects can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and chills. Follow-up care is necessary to ensure no complications require further treatment.
Start With Accurate Information, At No Cost
At Spero Medical, we are here to walk alongside you with compassion and honesty. We are committed to making sure you have what you need to make an informed decision.
Schedule your confidential appointment at no cost today.
Spero Medical does not offer or refer for abortions.