Taking the abortion pill is a serious medical procedure with side effects and risks. Since it’s typically completed at home, there are warning signs to look out for that would indicate it’s time to head to the emergency room.
Keep reading to learn about the signs. It’s important to remember that no one should attempt the abortion pill without access to a medical professional or an emergency room, as it can cause serious or life-threatening vaginal bleeding.
If you are in the midst of an unexpected pregnancy and are evaluating your options or trying to figure out what to do next, visit Sage Women’s Center. We’re here to help you and can verify your pregnancy with a no-charge pregnancy test and ultrasound. We can also share education to help you in your decision-making process.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill (using the two drugs mifepristone and misoprostol) works by blocking the hormone progesterone, then triggering uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy through abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
The pain and vaginal bleeding are more significant than with a regular period, even causing blood clots up to the size of a lemon. This can make it difficult to determine what is normal and what requires medical attention.
The Warning Signs to Seek Help
During the abortion pill process, you should head to your local emergency room (if you can’t get in contact with your doctor) if you notice the following signs.
- You are soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row.
- You have bad or severe abdominal or pelvic pain.
- You have chills or body aches.
- You have a fast heart rate.
- You have a fever that lasts more than four hours or starts in the days after taking misoprostol.
- You have foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Monitoring for these symptoms may help you catch dangerous complications such as an incomplete abortion, heavy and prolonged bleeding, and infection.
Have You Protected Your Health and Safety?
There are steps you can take to reduce the chances of complications during an abortion. These include confirming your pregnancy and how far along you are, getting STI/STD testing, and talking about your health history and medications with a medical professional.
Visit Sage Women’s Center today for no-charge clinic services. We can help you gain a clear picture of your health and pregnancy, enabling you to make an informed choice.