If you buy the abortion pill from either an online source or an abortion clinic, you’ll be alone during the actual abortion. Therefore, it’s important you know what is normal for an abortion and what is a red flag for additional, potentially emergency care. There are risks of the abortion pill you need to know.
When it comes to abortion, knowledge is power. Not everyone is a candidate for abortion pills for various reasons, and at Option 1, we’re experts in abortion pill information, how it will affect your body, and when you need to get extra care. Schedule your pre-abortion screening today by tapping HERE.
If you’re not sure you want an appointment yet, keep reading below to learn more about the risks of the abortion pill.
Risks of the abortion pill
As stated above, there are potential risks with the abortion pill, just like there is risk with any sort of medication or medical procedure. Mayo Clinic, one of the top hospitals in the world, has a long list of potential risks of the abortion pill ranging in severity. Some of the less dangerous risks from the abortion pill are:
- nausea or vomiting
- lightheadedness
- fainting
- diarrhea
- skin rash
- unusual fatigue
More serious Long term risks
Unfortunately, there are very serious long-term risks associated with the abortion pill. Fortunately, they are rare, but Mayo Clinic still lists them, so you need to know about them, too. Some of the serious risks from the abortion pills are:
- Changes in heart rhythms- such as a condition called QT prolongation. It’s important to call your doctor right away if you experience fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats after taking the pills.
- Adrenal gland problems- contact your doctor if you experience prolonged darkening of the skin, diarrhea, lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting, increased hunger, mental depression, nausea or vomiting, skin rash, or unusual tiredness or weakness.
Emergency red flags
Emergencies after taking the abortion pill do happen. However, since you won’t be supervised by a doctor, you need to know when you’ll need to head to the emergency room and what is typical. Mayo Clinic lists these as emergency intervention symptoms:
- bleeding so heavy it soaks through a pad per hour for more than two consecutive hours
- consistent fever greater than 100.4 degrees
- severe stomach pain
- pelvic tenderness
- non-productive cough shortness of breath
- weakness
There is false rhetoric online that you’ll be prosecuted if you go to the emergency room and tell them you’ve had an abortion. That is false information, not what the law actually says, and for your safety, you absolutely should not hide that information. Because the abortion pills are a complicated medication, your medical team needs to know you took them so they can treat you effectively.
Who Shouldn’t take the abortion pill?
Like any medication or procedure, there are factors that would keep you from safely taking the abortion pill. The abortion pill isn’t like ibuprofen and should only be taken when you know for certain it’s safe for you. Mayo Clinic lists many reasons you need to speak to a medical professional before taking the pill, but a few of those reasons are:
- if you take any of the 27 medications listed HERE to prevent a risky interaction
- if you take any of the over 150 medications listed HERE as your provider will need to give you a different dose to keep you safe.
- if you have any of the 21 pre-existing health conditions listed HERE as they put you at higher risk for complications.
pre-abortion screening info
The risks of the abortion are real, but so is our expertise. Our registered nurses offer zero-cost, legal, confidential pre-abortion screenings in a safe and comfortable environment. Your health and safety are our mission. Education and facts are key to a woman’s health, safety, and mental well-being long term.
If you’re thinking about taking the abortion pill, SCHEDULE your appointment with our nurse to talk things through. We believe women are capable of making their own choice for their pregnancy, but taboo shouldn’t force them to decide alone. Remember, an educated decision is the best kind of decision, so let us love you through this with personalized medical facts you can trust and support you can rely on.