If you're in an unplanned pregnancy, you may feel unsure about what to do. You might wonder about getting an abortion, something you never thought of before. No matter what you decide, you must make an informed decision. This is true if you’re considering a medical abortion (also known as the abortion pill). As the name implies, this method of abortion uses medication instead of surgery to end your pregnancy.

NOVA Pregnancy Help Centers are here to answer your questions about a medical abortion so you can make a safe, informed decision. Here are some important things to know about a medical abortion.

How does a medical abortion work?

You will take two different abortion pills to stop your pregnancy: mifepristone and misoprostol. You take the mifepristone first. It works to block your body from making progesterone, which stops the fetus from growing, so it dies. Then, 24-48 hours later, you take misoprostol which causes you to cramp, have contractions and bleed. This drug aborts the fetus out of your uterus.

Do you need to see a doctor for this abortion?

Before the covid pandemic, women had to go in person to a medical consultation before getting the abortion pill. Now, women can take the abortion pill with no in-person medical care. But taking strong medications like mifepristone and misoprostol with no medical oversight has its risks. Be sure you fully understand all the risks before you get a medical abortion.

What are the risks of a medical abortion?

The possible risks of a medical abortion include:

Infection of your pelvis
Blood clots in your uterus
Heaving bleeding
Incomplete abortion where some of the fetal tissue is left in your uterus. If this happens, it could lead to a life-threatening infection.

What are the side effects of the abortion pills?

Like any medications, there are side effects that can occur when you take misoprostol and mifepristone. Some of the side effects and risks of taking the abortion pills include:

Stomach pains and aches
Painful cramps
Heavy vaginal bleeding with large blood clots
Upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea
Low Fever with chills
Tiredness
Headache

Immediately contact a doctor or go to the ER if you have any of these symptoms below:

Extreme bleeding; soaking over two thick menstrual pads in one hour.
Fever that lasts for more than a day.
Bad smelling vaginal discharge.
Extreme back or stomach pain.

Should I get a medical abortion?

Having a medical abortion is a very big decision. It has emotional, psychological, and physical consequences. If you're thinking of having a medical abortion, be sure you understand the permanency of your decision, the risks, potential side effects, complications, and other options you have. Then, if you still think medical abortion is your choice, take these steps first to protect your health:

Confirm your positive pregnancy test- Even if you've missed a period or had an at-home positive pregnancy test, it's always good to get another test. We offer free pregnancy testing at NOVA Pregnancy Help Centers.
If you're pregnant, you need an ultrasound-You shouldn't have a medical abortion until you have an ultrasound. The ultrasound can confirm how far along you are and see if the pregnancy is viable (living). It can also detect things like an ectopic pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized egg is attached outside your uterus. Because the fertilized egg can't survive outside your uterus, it causes damage to your organs and can even cause life-threatening bleeding. So, an ultrasound is for your safety.
Get checked for sexually transmitted infections- To prevent damage and the spread of infection, get tested for an STI before you have a medical abortion. Sexually transmitted infections spread through anal, oral, and vaginal sexual contact. If you have symptoms such as vaginal itching, unusual discharges, a rash or pain, it could mean you have an STI. Some STI have no symptoms at all, but if they’re left untreated they can lead to infertility and you can be at high risk of getting cervical cancer. Every year, millions of women get syphilis, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea.

At NOVA Pregnancy Help Centers, we offer you free pregnancy testing and confirmation, ultrasounds, and STI testing. Don't risk your health, take advantage of our free medical services. No questions asked.

What about the abortion pill reversal?

Perhaps you're having some doubts right now about taking the abortion pill. Or perhaps you've already taken the first pill. Did you know you can reverse your abortion with an abortion pill reversal?

Mifepristone, the first abortion pill that you take, blocks the progesterone in your body. But when you take the abortion pill reversal, it replaces the progesterone. This increases the progesterone in your body, which stops the death of the fetus in your uterus.

You must take the abortion pill reversal within 24 to 72 hours after the first dose of mifepristone. There are many success stories about how the abortion pill reversal worked. This can happen if you start the abortion pill reversal process within that time frame.

Is the abortion pill reversal safe for you?

Yes. The major ingredient in the abortion pill reversal pill is progesterone. Doctors have been prescribing progesterone for women's pregnancies for over 50 years. Experienced Ob/Gyn doctors attest to the fact that the abortion pill reversal is safe and effective to help reverse the effects of the abortion pills.

If you are having second thoughts after taking the first abortion pill, we are ready to help you. At NOVA Pregnancy Help Centers, we will answer your questions and connect you to a medical doctor to help you start the reversal process. Remember, you are not alone!

Before you get a medical abortion

We're here for you, no matter what you decide. We can provide you with the most up-to-date medical care and information to protect your health and you. A medical abortion is a big decision. Please contact us at one of our two medical clinics in Fairfax (call 703-278-5433) and Alexandria (call 703-780-4700). Or text us at 703-782-9877 any time.

What is a medical abortion?