The word abortion can refer to two different approaches. One uses drugs to end a pregnancy and cause the uterus to empty. The other removes the pregnancy through a procedure. How far along you are helps determine which methods may be available.
Horizon Pregnancy Resources offers free, confidential pregnancy services. Our licensed nurses and advocates can talk with you about your questions and options.
Request an appointment today to get started, and keep reading to learn more about the different abortion methods.
Medical Abortion
Medical abortion is often called the abortion pill, although it generally involves two drugs. Mifepristone[1] is taken first. It blocks progesterone, the hormone that helps maintain the uterine lining and allows the pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol[2] is usually taken 24 to 48 hours later. It triggers uterine contractions, causing the pregnancy to be expelled through vaginal bleeding and cramping.
This process differs from emergency contraception, which is intended to prevent pregnancy rather than end an established pregnancy.
The mifepristone and misoprostol regimen is only FDA-approved for an intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks[3].
Bleeding and cramping occur after misoprostol is taken and can be heavy. Nausea, diarrhea, fever, chills, and headache may also occur. Possible complications[4] include heavy bleeding, digestive symptoms, infection, an ongoing pregnancy, and incomplete abortion[5], which may require medical treatment.
Surgical Abortion
A surgical abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital. The provider opens the cervix and removes the pregnancy from the uterus using suction or specialized medical equipment, or a combination of both. The method depends in part on gestational age.
Cramping and bleeding or spotting may occur after the procedure. Complications[6] can include infection, heavy bleeding, injury to the cervix or uterus, or scar tissue on the uterine wall. Some complications require additional treatment.
Pregnancy Details That Affect Your Care
A pregnancy test detects hCG[7], a hormone that begins to be produced by the developing placenta after a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. It cannot tell you how far along you are or where the pregnancy is located.
Location is especially important. An ectopic pregnancy[8] develops outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. An ectopic pregnancy requires emergency treatment and is a life-threatening condition. Seek immediate medical care for severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fainting, or shoulder pain. The abortion pill regimen cannot be used to end[RR1] an ectopic pregnancy.
Horizon offers free, lab-quality pregnancy testing. If you qualify, a limited ultrasound may help estimate gestational age, assess the pregnancy’s location, and detect cardiac activity when it is present. Your medical team can explain what the scan shows and whether further evaluation is needed.
Talk With Horizon
If you have questions about either abortion method or your pregnancy details, request an appointment with Horizon Pregnancy Resources. Visits are free and confidential. You can also call or text (210) 651-1611.
Horizon Pregnancy Resources does not perform or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
[1] Mifepristone. Medline. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
[2]. Misoprostol. Medline. https://www.medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689009.html
[3] Information about Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. FDA. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation
[4] Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687#:~:text=The%20body%20not,as%20upset%20stomach.
[5] Retained Products of Conception. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21512-retained-products-of-conception
[6] Dilation and curettage. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/dilation-and-curettage/about/pac-20384910#:~:text=Risks,C%20is%20rare.
[7] Human chorionic gonadotropin. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22489-human-chorionic-gonadotropin
[8] Ectopic pregnancy. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9687-ectopic-pregnancy
