A positive pregnancy test can make the future feel very different in a matter of minutes.
You may be thinking about your plans or whether you are ready to become a parent. And somewhere in the middle of all those thoughts, you may have started wondering whether an abortion is the right next step.
Before you make that decision, it helps to understand what a medical abortion actually involves, what risks to consider, and what you should know about your pregnancy first.
Alpha House Pregnancy Resource Center is here to help you get these answers. At our center, we offer free lab-quality pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, and information about your options, as well as the opportunity to ask questions and voice any of your concerns.
Get in touch to make your appointment today.
How a Medical Abortion Works
A medical abortion, also called the abortion pill, uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone that helps maintain the pregnancy. When progesterone is blocked, the uterine lining begins to break down, causing the pregnancy to separate from the uterus.
Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract, emptying the uterus. This part of the process causes abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding as the pregnancy is expelled.
The FDA has approved the abortion pill for ending a pregnancy through 10 weeks of gestation.
Understanding the Side Effects and Risks
Medical abortion can cause significant side effects.
Cramping and bleeding will always occur. Common effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and chills. Risks associated with this method include heavy bleeding, infection, an incomplete abortion, or an ongoing pregnancy.
Why an Ultrasound Comes Next
You will not know exactly how far along your pregnancy is, where the pregnancy is developing, and if the pregnancy is viable without a limited ultrasound.
The scan may also identify concerns such as an ectopic pregnancy or a miscarriage. Conditions such as an ectopic pregnancy can become life-threatening if left untreated.
At Alpha House Pregnancy Resource Center, our ultrasounds are performed by our registered nurse following a positive pregnancy test with us. This service is free and confidential.
Get the Answers at Alpha House PRC
An ultrasound can give you information that a pregnancy test cannot, while a conversation with someone who will listen can give you space to ask the questions that may be difficult to sort through on your own.
At Alpha House Pregnancy Resource Center, you can receive free, confidential pregnancy services and learn more about the education and material aid we offer if you decide to continue your pregnancy.
You deserve more than a quick answer to a life-changing question. Get in touch to make your appointment.
Alpha House Pregnancy Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
