Sometimes, an unexpected and unwanted pregnancy happens that becomes a huge challenge when you’re not ready for it. This leads to the decision to have an abortion to avoid the pregnancy. There are mainly two types of abortions that are carried out according to the pregnancy time and the size of the baby. These may include medication and surgical abortions. Medication abortion is one of the most common and effective methods for ending an early pregnancy. If you are advised by the doctor to undergo a medication abortion, then you must understand it for a better approach towards your healthcare journey.
Here is a simple guide for you to understand the process, which can help you feel more informed.
1. Understand the Medicines
The medication abortion is also known as the abortion pill. These pills used for abortion are of two types, which include mifepristone and misoprostol. The exact schedule and dosage may vary slightly based on your healthcare provider’s recommendation, but usually the mifepristone is given, which blocks the hormone progesterone and stops the pregnancy from growing. Then, 24–48 hours later, the doctor advises you to take misoprostol. This medicine is what causes the uterus to contract and empty, leading to cramping and bleeding, much like a heavy, intense period or an early miscarriage. These two pills are up to 96–98 % effective when taken within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
2. Get Trusted Abortion Pill Information
Before you take any of the medicine, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional. When you seek comprehensive and accurate abortion pill information from a licensed professional, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or staff at a specialized clinic, you can take the right steps towards the abortion. During your consultation, your health care provider performs a necessary medical assessment and suggests pills. They also provide details on how the pills work, explain the risks and side effects, and tell you exactly what to expect hour-by-hour during the procedure.
3. Safety and Possible Side Effects
The abortion pills are usually considered safe, but they are safer if you use them under the guidance of a healthcare professional. No medicine is free of side effects, so are the abortion pills. The common side effects associated with these pills include cramping, bleeding, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. There might be some severe problems, but they usually depend on the age of the pregnancy and if you’re taking pills without taking proper advice from a doctor. These serious issues may involve heavy bleeding or infection, but medical care at the right time can be really helpful.
4. What to Expect and Pain Management
Most commonly, cramping and bleeding are the expected side effects as your uterus contracts and expels the tissue. For most individuals, the most significant bleeding and passage of clots occur within 4 to 6 hours after taking misoprostol. Pain is common and is often managed effectively with pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, which your provider suggests you take when there is severe pain. The most intense phase of the abortion usually passes quickly after the pills have started working, but it is important to know that light bleeding and spotting can continue intermittently for several weeks afterward.