If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may have turned to the internet for a solution. All of the information can feel overwhelming. But, as with any medication or procedure, there are many things to consider before you take abortion pills. So, keep reading to learn more!
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
With the abortion pill, a woman intentionally takes medication to terminate her pregnancy. Abortion pills may also be called a medical abortion, chemical abortion, RU-486, or at-home abortion.
The process involves two medications. The first medication, mifepristone, interferes with progesterone receptors and prevents the pregnancy from developing. The second medication, misoprostol, causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.[1]
How Far Along Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
Women qualify for the abortion pill only up until 10 weeks of gestation.[2] Gestational age can be estimated based on a woman’s last menstrual period, but an ultrasound is the most exact way to determine the gestational age.
Call Bakersfield Pregnancy Center for a free ultrasound today.
Can Abortion Pills be Mailed?
In California, only certified doctors or mid-level providers can prescribe abortion pills.[3] The abortion provider must follow the state’s regulations regarding pre and post-abortion care. Sometimes this includes an ultrasound before prescribing abortion pills. Then, women may be able to receive abortion pills in the mail through a verified pharmacy. [4]
Women should never order abortion pills online from a pharmacy that has not been approved by the FDA. The FDA has not evaluated those pills for safety[5] and could contain the wrong amount of medication, be expired, or be fake.
What To Know Before You Order the Abortion Pill by Mail
Before ordering abortion pills, a woman should speak with a qualified healthcare professional. Then she should verify her eligibility for the abortion pills. This will include:
- Estimated Gestational Age. Gestational age (how far along you are in your pregnancy) can be estimated based on a woman’s last menstrual period, but an ultrasound is the most exact way to determine the gestational age.[6]
- Location of the Pregnancy. An ectopic pregnancy develops outside of the uterus and can be life-threatening if not properly treated. So, before taking abortion pills, it is recommended that a woman receive an ultrasound first.
- Viability of pregnancy. Almost 10-20% of known pregnancies end in a miscarriage, and almost 80% of those occur within the first three months of pregnancy.[7]
Call Bakersfield Pregnancy Center at (661)326-1907 today to receive a free ultrasound.
What are the Risks of an At-Home Abortion?
As with any medication or procedure, women should be aware of all of the risks associated with the abortion pill, including[1]:
- Incomplete abortion- The uterus does not expel the entire pregnancy and additional medical procedures could be required.
- Hemorrhaging or severe vaginal bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to the medications
For these reasons, women need to have access to emergency services before, during, and after an abortion. So, women should be under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
Abortion Pill Information in Bakersfield, CA
Sorting through all of your abortion options can feel overwhelming. But you aren’t alone! Visit Bakersfield Pregnancy Center to speak with our qualified and compassionate staff. We provide a confidential space for you to sort through all of your options.
Call now to schedule your appointment. All services are free and confidential.
You might wonder if home pregnancy tests provide accurate results. Regardless of
how you feel about being pregnant, there are a few things you should know about home pregnancy tests.
Keep reading to learn more.
How Do Pregnancy Tests Work?
About 10 days after conception (when a sperm fertilizes an egg), the embryo implants into a woman’s uterus. Her body then releases the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) to sustain the pregnancy.[1] Home pregnancy tests detect the presence of HCG in the urine.
When is the Best Time to Take a Pregnancy Test
Although the body produces HCG at implantation (10 days after conception), HCG may not be detectable in the urine until about 14 days after conception. So, most home pregnancy tests recommend testing once you’ve missed your period. If taken before a missed period, the test could be negative even though a woman is early in her pregnancy.[2]
How Accurate are Pregnancy Tests?
Every home pregnancy test works differently, so women should read and follow the instructions that come with the test. When used correctly, home pregnancy tests can be up to 99% accurate.[3]
If taken too early, used improperly, or improperly read, the test could be negative. After a negative home test, women should wait a few days and then retest.
Where Can I Get a Pregnancy Test?
Home pregnancy tests are available over the counter (without a prescription). Some women find that digital tests are easier to read.[4] Regardless of the type used, carefully read the instructions. Some women prefer going to a clinic to confirm pregnancy.
You can schedule a free pregnancy test at Bakersfield Pregnancy Center. Give us a call at (661)326-1907 to get started.
Please be aware that Bakersfield Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Medical Abortion. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21899-medical-abortion
- Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex.
- FDA. (2023, January).Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
- Ibid.
- FDA. (2023, January). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022).Ultrasound in Pregnancy. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9704-ultrasound-in-pregnancy
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Miscarriage. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9688-miscarriage