Are you considering an at home abortion using abortion medication?
Did you know the abortion pill protocol is 2 medications taken at different times?
You have probably heard reference to an at home, or a self-managed abortion, or medical abortion, or chemical abortion. These terms all reference the abortion pill, which is 2 medications.
There is much information about the abortion pill, how it works, how to get it, and the cost of the abortion pill. You can find multiple websites providing you information about the pros and cons of taking the abortion pill.
While it may sound simple enough, keep in mind it is a prescribed medication that should be taken under doctors’ supervisions, as prescribed, and only after proper medical verification of pregnancy.
Why do I first need proper medical verification of pregnancy before taking the abortion pill or having a self-managed abortion?
- Evaluate your overall medical history
- Confirm you are pregnant
- Confirm if the pregnancy is viable
- Confirm the gestation age (number of weeks you are pregnancy)
- Rule out the presence of an ectopic pregnancy that may be life threatening
What is gestation age?
Gestation is the term used when discussing how far along you are into the pregnancy. There is much conversation about how many weeks you are and what your options are based on how many weeks you are into the pregnancy. Gestation age is the medical term used for this time dating.
Why do I need to know gestation age by a medical provider?
The abortion pill is generally prescribed for up to 10 weeks in your pregnancy. At home pregnancy test are mostly accurate. They are a great first step, but nothing to make a final decision on. At home pregnancy tests cannot tell you exactly how far along you are into your pregnancy or if you have an ectopic pregnancy.
What about an ectopic pregnancy?
The abortion pill is not prescribed if you are having an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy can be ruled out with an ultrasound by a medical provider. ” We provide this service free of charge.
What do I need to know?
The exact number of weeks you are into your pregnancy, confirmation of viability, and to rule out an ectopic pregnancy can only be done if you are seen in person. The truest and best answers are found with an in-office visit and medical confirmation of the pregnancy.
Is the abortion pill, the same thing as the ‘Morning After Pill’ (or Plan B)?
No, the abortion pill is very different. The abortion pill is a self-managed abortion and is intended to eliminate an already confirmed pregnancy.
How does the abortion pill work?
The abortion pill is actually 2 medications. The first medication is Mifepristone and is generally taken with a medical provider. The second medication is Misoprostol and taken at home.
What is Oral Mifepristone (the first pill) do and how does it work?
Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone which is needed for a fetus to survive.
The uterine lining will thin and prevent an embryo from staying connected.
Mifepristone is most often taken at a medical clinic with your medical provider.
What is Oral Misoprostol (the second pill) and how does it work?
What is Oral Misoprostol (the second pill) do and how does it work?
Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and is taken anywhere from 6-48 hours after the first pill. Misoprostol will cause contractions, which helps the woman deliver the fetus. This process is typically complete within 24-48 hours after the second pill is ingested and causes extreme bleeding and strong cramping. The amount and severity is different woman to woman.
How will I feel during and after my self managed abortion?
The medication may make you nauseated, induce vomiting, fever, chills, diarrhea and/ or a headache. Every person experience this differently. It is important to properly prepare and discuss your personal medical history with a medical professional in advance of taking this or any medication. It is important to review all potential side effects and be prepared to seek medical intervention if necessary.
When should I seek medical attention with an at-home abortion?
According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have heavy bleeding defined as soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours, severed abdominal or back pan, a fever lasting more than 24 hours, these are not normal signs and you should seek medical care immediately.
Do I need to take both medications for it to work?
Yes. The process is a 2 medication prescription.
How do I know it worked?
To confirm the pregnancy has been expelled properly, it is recommended to have an in person follow up appointment with your provider. There is no other way to confirm that the pregnancy is fully terminated and expelled than by seeing a medical professional for proper examination.
What if I change my mind after taking the first pill?
Changing your mind is common. Many start the process for fear of needing to make a quick decision.
If you have taken the first medication and have changed your mind, time is of the essence. With proper timing and medications, there is a 64% change you may still be able to successfully carry the pregnancy to term. The abortion pill reversal is not effective after the second pill (Misoprostol) is taken. To learn more about abortion pill reversal click here.
Can you order the abortion pill online?
All significant oral medication should be taken after medical consultation and under the direct supervision of a medical professional. Your health and safety matters.
Is having an at home or medical abortion is a major decision?
Yes. If you are considering the Abortion Pill, remember this is a medication and should be done with direct medical supervision like any other medication you would take. This is not a time to self or be peer diagnosed.
To make an informed, personalized plan you should start with an in person full medical verification of pregnancy with a medical professional. We can provide you a full review of your pregnancy, gestation age, viability and generalized health. This service is completely free. We do not prescribe or offer the abortion pill or other abortion services. Our scope of service is pregnancy confirmation and support as you need us.
Sourcing: The information on this page has been taken from Mayo Clinic, Web MD, and Abortion Pill Reversal.
Please note, this information is provided for educational purposes only, and should not be used to diagnose or make an abortion decision. We recommend seeking in person medical diagnosis before making any medical decision.
Note: The information presented on this website is intended for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
