Medical abortion uses medications to terminate an early, viable pregnancy. If you have an unplanned pregnancy, understanding the side effects and risks of abortion procedures is crucial.
Don’t go uninformed when making a pregnancy decision—your health matters.
What Are the Side Effects of Abortion Drugs?
Two abortion medications, mifepristone and misoprostol, terminate the pregnancy during a medical abortion. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that sustains the pregnancy. Misoprostol is taken afterward and causes uterine contractions that expel pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
If you have a medical abortion, you will experience vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping that range from mild to severe. Other side effects are possible, including:
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
Could I Experience an Abortion-Related Risk?
You might experience a risk associated with medical abortion, but this possibility varies depending on factors like your individual experience, gestational age, and overall health.
Risks of medical abortion include:
- Infection
- Digestive system discomfort
- Fever
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Incomplete abortion, which may need surgical treatment
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the abortion doesn’t work)
It can be difficult to pinpoint when a side effect becomes a risk. For example, you could have a fever as a side effect of medical abortion. But you should seek treatment if you have a high or worsening fever that doesn’t improve with rest and medication.
Don’t ignore signs of possible complications, and be proactive. It’s better to seek help out of an abundance of caution.
Receive the Answers You Need
Oasis Medical offers pregnancy testing, limited obstetrical ultrasounds, pre-abortion assessments, and more. An unplanned pregnancy can feel isolating, but you don’t need to feel alone in times of need. We’ll provide the free and confidential care you deserve in a compassionate environment.
Contact us today to make an appointment and get started.