Abortion Pill FAQs
What Is The Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is an early pregnancy termination method and is also known as a chemical or medication abortion. If you are considering abortion, learn more about side effects, what to expect, restrictions, and recovery. It’s also important to know how far along you are and if you are eligible for the abortion pill before you make a decision regarding your pregnancy.
Like any drug, the abortion pill can cause various side effects based on your weight, hormones, allergies, health conditions, diseases, and the type of pregnancy. If you have taken Mifepristone, the first dose of the abortion pill, and have changed your mind about your decision, contact the abortion pill reversal network to learn more about your options.
While we do not provide or refer for abortion services, we provide answers and options so that you can make a medically informed choice. If you would like to speak to someone who will not profit from your decision, we would love to speak with you & help you process through all of the information. You may qualify for our limited ultrasound, which will be used to verify that the pregnancy is in the uterus, confirm gestational age, and confirm there is a heartbeat. First Step PRC serves all of Bangor and the surrounding areas by providing services at no cost. Make an appointment today to learn more
Who Can Take The Abortion Pill?
Women with certain medical conditions, who have allergies to drugs used in the abortion pill regimen, who have an ectopic pregnancy, or who are more than eleven weeks pregnant, are not eligible for the abortion pill.
The abortion pill is ineffective in the case of an ectopic pregnancy, which is a pregnancy that occurs within the fallopian tube or somewhere else in a woman’s body other than the uterus.
An ectopic pregnancy, if left untreated, can cause the fallopian tube to rupture, resulting in lethal bleeding/hemorrhaging. Abortions are not used to treat ectopic pregnancies. A separate surgical procedure is necessary to treat an ectopic pregnancy.
Please note: If you are Rh-negative, be sure to tell your healthcare provider so you can get the necessary treatment after an abortion, as this could affect a future pregnancy.
What Should I Do Before Getting Abortion Pills?
Before you take the abortion pill, it is important to confirm the following:
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Viability of the pregnancy (able to continue on its own or if you are at possible risk for a natural miscarriage)
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The location of the pregnancy (and if it’s intrauterine or ectopic)
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Your estimated due date or how far along you are
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Confirm your Rh factor
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Confirm you are not presently anemic
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Have negative Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI/STD) results
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Remove IUD if needed
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Be informed on the side effects, what to expect, and drugs used in the abortion pill regimen (to avoid potential allergic reactions or complications)
Common side effects and risks include cramping, contractions, bleeding that can last up to sixteen to thirty days, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, infection, blood clots, dizziness, and abdominal pain.
If the abortion pills do not terminate the pregnancy, additional medical procedures may be necessary. Other complications can occur, such as an overgrowth of the uterine lining, muscle pain or stiffness, and more. Contact 911 if you have complications from the abortion pill.
Why Choose First Step PRC
We believe women deserve objective information on their pregnancy options apart from an organization that profits from their pregnancy decisions. First Step PRC offers free services, including pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds, to confirm your pregnancy and determine how far it has progressed so you can be fully informed about your options and plan accordingly.
Availability may vary, but often, we can schedule an appointment on the same day or within 48 hours. Contact us to learn more.