If you’re experiencing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be sorting through your options and you probably have heard about “the Abortion Pill.” It is also referred to as the RU-486 Pill, Mifepristone, and Mifeprex. However, during this pandemic, some clinics have also started to call it the “safe at-home abortion.”
With Covid-19 virtually changing the way we live, it might seem logical to consider this new “stay-at-home” option, especially when some clinics might be telling you that it is a “safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy.”
What if you discovered that was not always the case? The Abortion Pill can actually be dangerous and put your own health at risk. In this blog, we will highlight the serious and potentially life-threatening complications that may come with this procedure.
What is the Abortion Pill?
The Abortion Pill is actually a two-pill procedure. The objective of the first pill (Mifepristone) is to cut off the flow of progesterone to the pregnancy, while the second one (Misoprostol) is meant to induce labor. Some clinics may tell you that this is a very safe procedure. What they often neglect to explain are the serious risks and possible complications associated with these medications.
Serious or life-threatening Complications:
- An incomplete or failed abortion where the fetus remains viable in the uterus (pregnancy was possibly too far along)
- Some of the pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, which leads to infection
- Fever of 100.4 or higher and/or strong smelling vaginal discharge which could indicate infection
- Allergic reaction to one or both medications
- Severe abdominal, pelvic or back pain not relieved by pain medication
- No bleeding, cramping, or contractions within 24 hours of taking medication
- Passing blood clots that are larger than the size of a lemon for more than two hours or bleeding through two pads per hour
Most of these symptoms can be signs of a serious medical emergency. Please contact your doctor or health center immediately if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms.
Because of the possibility of serious complications, you should not be alone during this procedure. Have a plan in place in case you need to seek emergency medical care.
Schedule a Free Appointment
Contact Your Options Medical if you would like to schedule an appointment for the recommended medical screening if you are considering the Abortion Pill.
Learn More About the Abortion Pill
For more information on the Abortion Pill and what steps you should take before you consider it, check out our other two blogs in this three-part series:
4 Reasons Why You Need to Schedule an Ultrasound Before Taking the Pill
Thank you very much for sharing this. Quick question, Is it safe to take the pill while breastfeeding?
Dear Herpezine,
Thank you for contacting Your Options Medical with your question.
As with any medication, it is wise to be vigilant and cautious, and breastfeeding your baby adds a special layer of precaution as you “are what you eat” so to say.
There seems to be little data on the use of mifepristone, the 2nd pill used in the RU 486 abortion, while breastfeeding. The information on the 1st pill, misoprostol, reports that the drug is excreted into the mother’s milk in small amounts for approximately 5 hours. As with any medications, it is best to consult with the child’s pediatrician or your OB doctor before taking any medication. You may be advised to discard your breastmilk for a few days following the ingestion of these medications.
A concern I have is the taking of these pills in the first place. The ramifications and possible adverse side effects of these medications can be harsh and traumatic. I strongly suggest you educate yourself on the process these medications induce and what the progress of the process entails. Ending a pregnancy is ending a life.
At Your Options Medical, we support and educate women and their partners on the options available to them during an unplanned pregnancy. Such a life situation can be stressful and frightening. It is also a time to reflect and make decisions that have a lifelong impact. I urge you to take a deep breath, seek wise counsel and take time to make this important decision.
Before taking the abortion pill, you need to have an ultrasound to confirm dating of your pregnancy and assess if you are even eligible for the pill.
At Your Options Medical, we offer free pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. To schedule an appointment, please call 617-419-6112 or text 508-251-9022.
Barbara M. BSN,RN
Nurse / Sonographer
Your Options Medical