If you’re looking into the abortion pill, you may have questions about what the drugs do, what you would experience after taking them, and what risks are involved.
The abortion pill is not one drug taken all at once. It generally involves two drugs used in sequence, and much of the physical process takes place at home.
Coweta Pregnancy Services can provide information about your pregnancy and options before you make a decision. We’re here to be a helpful resource as you explore what each option could mean for you.
Contact us to schedule a no-cost appointment and get your questions answered.
What the Two Drugs Do
The first drug is mifepristone. It blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to grow and develop.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
The FDA has approved mifepristone with misoprostol only through 10 weeks of gestation. That federal approval does not override state abortion restrictions, including those currently in effect in Georgia.
Expect Certain Side Effects
Vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping occur as the uterus empties after misoprostol and the pregnancy is expelled through the vagina. The intensity of the bleeding and cramping varies from person to person, with some women reporting these side effects as “unexpectedly severe.”
Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, and headache.
Because much of the process may occur at home, it is important to know what symptoms require medical attention and how to reach the healthcare provider who prescribed the drugs.
Know the Possible Complications
The abortion pill also carries risks beyond its expected side effects. Though rare, they may occur, and it’s crucial to keep them in mind as you move through the decision-making process.
Possible medical abortion-related risks include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, an incomplete abortion that requires additional treatment, or an ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not work.
Symptoms like very heavy bleeding, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, or a persistent fever should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. They could signal that you’re experiencing a complication and need immediate treatment.
Abortion drugs also do not treat an ectopic pregnancy, which develops outside the uterus and can become a medical emergency if left untreated. Only an ultrasound can tell you where your pregnancy is located, making it a crucial step before any pregnancy decision.
What Georgia Law Says
Georgia law currently prohibits abortion once a detectable human heartbeat, defined in state law as embryonic or fetal cardiac activity, is present. Cardiac activity may be detected as early as about six weeks of gestation. Georgia’s statute recognizes exceptions for a medical emergency, fetal conditions deemed incompatible with life, and certain pregnancies resulting from rape or incest when statutory requirements are met.
Because abortion law can change through legislation or court decisions, confirming current state law is crucial when you are researching your options.
Find Out More About the Pregnancy
Coweta Pregnancy Services offers medically certified pregnancy testing administered by a nurse. After receiving a positive pregnancy test at the center, you may also qualify for a limited ultrasound.
We’ll also discuss your options and ensure all of your questions are answered. This is your pregnancy and your decision; we’re here to be an informational resource.
Schedule your free appointment today and learn more about your pregnancy before deciding what you want to do.
Coweta Pregnancy Services does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.