Receiving the correct medical information is critical when you’re understanding your pregnancy choices. Ensuring you have trustworthy and accurate details is an important step in protecting your health.
There is a common misconception that the abortion pill and Plan B are the same. Both medications are different and are different in their purposes for the user. Taking the wrong medication can cause significant health complications, so it’s important to understand what each medication is intended for in regard to pregnancy.
What Medications Does the Abortion Pill Consist Of?
Mifepristone and misoprostol are the two drugs that are taken during a chemical abortion, also known as the “abortion pill.” Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that sustains a pregnancy and is necessary for its further development. Misoprostol causes uterine contractions and expels the fetus from your body.
You may experience mild to severe side effects with the abortion pill method but it is important to note that the abortion pill causes abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. Other side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
Depending on your situation, such as previous health conditions, your pregnancy’s gestational age, and whether you received the proper drug dosages, you may experience significant risks from the abortion pill procedure, including:
- Fever
- Infection
- Digestive system discomfort
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- An ongoing pregnancy (if the medications do not work)
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be treated by a surgical procedure
Is Plan B an Abortion Medication?
Plan B, or the “morning-after pill,” is not part of the abortion pill procedure. It can prevent pregnancy when taken up to 72 hours after sexual intercourse. The medication works by delaying or preventing ovulation.
Side effects vary, but you may have one or more of the following:
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
Plan B doesn’t always work and is not intended to be taken if you are already ovulating (as it is a medication that is intended to delay or prevent ovulation, not put a stop to it). See a medical provider immediately if you have symptoms like heavy, prolonged bleeding or severe abdominal pain. These symptoms could indicate a condition like ectopic pregnancy, which is dangerous for the health of the pregnant woman and requires a separate treatment.
Care You Can Count On
Taking control of your sexual health matters. It’s important to make sure that you have the facts about each of your pregnancy options, including abortion, if that’s a path you may be considering. Whether you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy or have general questions, Mosaic’s options counselors and nurses are here for you. Please note that our Center does not perform or refer for abortions, but we are here to ensure that you can receive free pregnancy confirmation services, a time to process your options with a trusted member of our staff, and the opportunity to make a fully informed choice.
Make an appointment today to meet with our knowledgeable and caring team. Our services are free and confidential, and we can accommodate both appointments and walk-ins for pregnancy confirmation and options counseling.