When you become pregnant unexpectedly, you might feel like you don’t have any options or like abortion is your only choice. Before you visit an abortion clinic, make sure you have all the information you need in making this important decision. Keep reading to learn more about these medications, how they work, and what to expect, and then give DAZZ Orangeburg a call at 803-937-3010 to schedule a free, confidential pregnancy options consultation with a member of our staff today.
Is the Abortion Pill an Option For You?
The first thing you need to know when you’re thinking about the abortion pill is whether or not it’s even an option for you. Medical abortion is only an option for women who are less than 10 weeks pregnant, which means you need to know how far along you are.
The only accurate way to get this information is through a pregnancy confirmation ultrasound, which DAZZ Orangeburg provides free of charge for women who qualify. After you take a pregnancy test with a positive result at our office, our nurse will meet with you to see if an ultrasound is necessary and if you meet the criteria for an ultrasound. If you do, we can provide you with a free ultrasound to provide a more accurate gestational age and determine if your pregnancy is healthy and viable. 10-20% of pregnancies end in early miscarriage, so it’s important to get an ultrasound to ensure you and your baby are healthy.
Certain medical conditions can prevent you from being able to take the abortion pill, such as bleeding disorders and certain diseases of the heart, liver, kidney, and lungs, as well as medications such as certain steroids and blood thinners. It’s important to discuss your medical history and concerns with your doctor beforehand to ensure your safety.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
Another important part of considering abortion is knowing how the abortion pill actually works. You should always know how whatever you take will affect your body, especially with something as impactful as an abortion.
Many women don’t know that the abortion pill is actually two pills containing separate drugs and taken at different times. The first pill, mifepristone, causes the developing baby to detach from your body, removing its source of nutrients and oxygen. The second pill, misoprostol, causes the baby to be expelled from your body. The abortion pill’s effectiveness can vary, but typically is more than 90% effective at ending a pregnancy.
What Should I Expect?
When you visit a doctor for the abortion pill, he or she will usually perform a physical examination and ask you about your medical history. The doctor will then administer the first pill and send you home. In some cases they will send the second pill home with you to be taken later; other doctors may require you to come back to the office to pick it up. In both cases, you will need to return to the doctor’s office after a few weeks for a follow-up visit to make sure the abortion is complete. While some doctors allow follow-up calls over the phone, it is highly recommended that you request one in person to ensure that nothing remains in your uterus to cause infection.
Abortion pills have several side effects as well. Many women experience painful cramps, heavy bleeding, headaches, nausea, and flu-like symptoms. The bleeding and cramping may last several days after you take the pills. In addition, many women feel a variety of emotional side effects, such as grief, depression, and mood swings.
In rare cases, serious medical complications can arise, which is why mifepristone is only available through a restricted program known as Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS). Before receiving the pill, your doctor will provide you with a medication guide and a patient agreement to sign. Be sure to read all of the materials and ask your doctor any follow-up questions you have.
Contact Us Today
At DAZZ Orangeburg, we provide women in Orangeburg, South Carolina with pregnancy support and education in a confidential and compassionate environment. We offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI/STD testing, pregnancy options counseling, parenting classes, and more. All our services are confidential and free of charge, so call today at 803-937-3010 or request an appointment online for non-judgemental support in your pregnancy decision.