What Happens During a Medical Abortion?

We’re glad you’re asking this question. Since the drugs for a medical abortion are often taken in one’s own home, it is important to know what to expect. Many women comment that they were unprepared for the procedure.

Although we do not perform or refer for abortion, we’re not afraid to talk about it. Let’s take a factual, medically based look at the types of drugs, the procedure, and some of the potential physical consequences.

Is the Abortion Pill a Medical Abortion?

A medical abortion is also called a chemical or medication abortion, and known as the abortion pill. This type of abortion involves taking two drugs to end a pregnancy and remove it from the body.

What Are the Drugs?

The first drug is mifepristone. It blocks the hormone progesterone, which thins the lining of the uterus. All pregnancies need progesterone to grow. Without it, the pregnancy cannot survive.

The second drug, misoprostol, causes contractions and bleeding to expel the pregnancy from the body through the vagina.

The FDA highly regulates the distribution of mifepristone, indicating that it should only be prescribed by certified providers. It is approved for use through 10 weeks’ gestation only.

What Can I Expect After Taking the Drugs?

“Posting this as I feel like this experience is completely downplayed, and I was not at all prepared for what this was gonna be like.” An Anonymous Reddit User

The woman who posted the above statement went on to describe that after taking misoprostol, she experienced diarrhea, vomiting, a fever, and incredible pain.

However, not every woman experiences a medical abortion the same way. Some women describe it as a heavier period, while others mention excessive bleeding and cramping.

The Mayo Clinic lists some of the symptoms of a medical abortion as follows:

• Upset stomach
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills
• Diarrhea
• Headache

Every woman’s experience is unique; having proper medical care is important.

Learn More From Liberty Women’s Clinic

There are other limitations to taking the abortion pill that you should be aware of. If you’re considering a medical abortion, you need to discuss your mental and physical health with a healthcare provider first.

We recommend that, before you use the abortion drugs, you have the following:

• Urine pregnancy testing.
• A nurse consultation.
• A limited OB ultrasound (our RN determines your eligibility).
• STI testing and treatment. (We test for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. Having an untreated STI can cause complications.)

We offer all of the above services at no cost. Schedule your free and confidential consultation about all of your pregnancy options at Liberty Women’s Clinic today. We’re here for you.

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice. All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counseling and/or medical advice.