How Cove Care Can Help
If you are considering abortion, Cove Care provides no-cost medical services so you can learn more about your pregnancy before taking any action. A registered nurse can administer a medical-grade pregnancy test, review your result, and discuss whether you qualify for an ultrasound.
Cove Care does not perform or refer for abortions. We understand that you may have questions as you consider your options, and our team is here to provide clear, factual information about the abortion pill and surgical abortion, including how they work and their potential risks and complications.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill is a medical abortion method that uses two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy and related tissue through heavy vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping.
The abortion pill is FDA-approved through 10 weeks of pregnancy.
Potential Side Effects
Abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding are expected during a medical abortion. Other side effects may include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fever
- Chills
Possible Complications
Possible complications may include:
- An incomplete abortion requiring additional drugs or a surgical procedure
- An ongoing pregnancy if the drugs do not end the pregnancy
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection, which may lead to pelvic
inflammatory disease (PID) or sepsis, if left untreated
The abortion pill does not end an ectopic pregnancy. Taking the abortion pill without knowing whether or not you have an ectopic pregnancy can lead to more risks.
What Happens During a Surgical Abortion?
A surgical abortion is performed in a clinic, surgical center, or hospital. The procedure used depends largely on gestational age, and sedation or anesthesia may be provided.
During the procedure, the cervix is dilated. An abortion provider uses suction, specialized surgical instruments, or a combination of both to end the pregnancy and remove the fetus and related pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
Possible complications may include:
- Pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus and requiring further treatment
- Heavy bleeding
- Infection, which may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or sepsis, if left untreated
- Injury to the cervix
- Perforation or injury to the uterus
- Complications related to anesthesia or sedation
- Scar tissue forming inside the uterus, a condition known as Asherman’s Syndrome
Why Pregnancy Location Matters
An ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. As the pregnancy grows, the tube may rupture and cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
Neither the abortion pill nor a surgical abortion inside the uterus will end an ectopic pregnancy.
Seek emergency medical care for symptoms such as:
- Severe or one-sided abdominal or pelvic pain
- Shoulder pain
- Dizziness or fainting
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
Cove Care’s ultrasound may provide information about pregnancy location, but it does not replace diagnostic or emergency medical care. If the pregnancy cannot be located or the scan raises a concern, additional medical evaluation will be needed.
Pressure Is a Safety Concern
A partner, parent, relative, friend, or employer may have strong opinions about what you should do. Threats involving your relationship, housing, money, employment, or safety are forms of pressure and may make it harder to consider what you actually want.
If someone is trying to force a pregnancy decision, ask to speak privately during your appointment. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Cove Care’s Resources page also includes confidential safety assistance.
Abortion Pill Reversal
If you have taken mifepristone but have not taken misoprostol and want to continue the pregnancy, contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Network as soon as possible at 877-558-0333.
The network’s 24/7 helpline can connect you with a healthcare professional who can discuss your circumstances and whether progesterone treatment may be an option.
Cove Care does not prescribe or provide Abortion Pill Reversal treatment. If you are experiencing emergency symptoms, seek immediate medical care.
Protect Your Health
Understanding the procedure, its potential risks, and the symptoms that require medical attention can help protect your health. Schedule a confidential appointment with Cove Care before considering abortion drugs or undergoing a procedure.
Book a no-cost, confidential appointment today.
Cove Care Services does not provide or refer for abortions.