The abortion pill and Plan B are often confused, but they serve different purposes and are used at different stages. Understanding how each one works can help you better understand your options.
At Coweta Pregnancy Services, we provide no-cost, confidential pregnancy services and evidence-based information so you can make informed decisions about your health.
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The Abortion Pill: Ending an Existing Pregnancy
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, is used to end an existing early pregnancy using two drugs taken in sequence. The abortion pill is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestation.
- The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone, the hormone needed to sustain a pregnancy, causing the lining of the uterus to break down.
- The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later. This drug causes the uterus to contract, resulting in abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding that expels the pregnancy and related tissue.
Although the abortion pill does not involve surgery, it is still a medical procedure and carries potential risks and side effects, including heavy bleeding, infection, and incomplete abortion that may require additional medical treatment.
Plan B: Emergency Contraception Explained
Plan B, also known as the morning-after pill, is a form of emergency contraception. It contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that works by delaying or preventing ovulation when taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex.
Although it was once believed that Plan B might prevent a fertilized egg from implanting in the uterus, current evidence does not support this. In 2022, the FDA updated the Plan B prescribing information to reflect that the drug does not terminate an existing pregnancy.
Plan B is available over the counter without a prescription. Like any drug, it can cause side effects, which may include nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, fatigue, breast tenderness, cramping or lower abdominal pain, and changes to your menstrual cycle, such as irregular or heavier bleeding.
Birth control is intended to prevent pregnancy, while the abortion pill is used after a pregnancy has already begun. It’s also important to know that Plan B is not effective in every situation, and pregnancy can still occur after taking it.
Why an Ultrasound Matters Before Any Decision
If there is a possibility of pregnancy, understanding key medical details can be an important first step.
A lab-quality pregnancy test can detect the pregnancy hormone hCG, but it cannot determine how far along you are, whether the pregnancy is viable and developing, or whether the pregnancy is located in the uterus. A limited ultrasound can provide this information and help rule out conditions, such as an ectopic pregnancy, a life-threatening condition where the pregnancy develops outside the uterus and requires immediate medical attention.
Get Support and Information
You deserve accurate information and caring support every step of the way.
If you have any questions about pregnancy, emergency contraception, or your options, Coweta Pregnancy Services is here for you. Contact us today to learn more about our services, including free pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds after a positive test, education, materials, and community support.
Coweta Pregnancy Services does not provide or refer for abortion.