womenscenter.com -”where quality care is tradition”.

Abortion Pill vs. Morning After Pill: Everything You Need to Know.

Many people are confused about the difference between a morning-after and an abortion pill. It is due to the vast misunderstanding and false beliefs about emergency contraception. However, there is a considerable difference between an abortion pill and morning-after pill in how both works to prevent pregnancy.

Here, we will look at how both of these work and what abortion pill side effects can do to the body of the person ingesting the pill.

The Morning After Pill

The Morning After Pill, also known as Emergency Contraceptive is a hormonal contraceptive. The pill, when taken within 120 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse helps in preventing unwanted pregnancy. It is most effective m if taken within the first 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. It contains progestin and levonorgestrel that prevent pregnancy by interfering with the fertilization of an egg. The success of the morning after pill depends on the person’s menstrual cycles. It cannot help once the person is pregnant. The morning pill helps prevent ovulation, thereby preventing the body from releasing an egg for conception. These are readily available at over-the-top medical counters and do not require a doctor’s prescription.

The Abortion Pill

An abortion pill, also referred to as mifepristone is used as an early medical solution to terminate the pregnancy. You can get an abortion pill on the recommendation of the doctor to remove the unwanted pregnancy. The pill is approved in the United States to be taken within a period of not more than 70 days since the last menstrual cycle of a person. It consists of two medications, one of which causes the uterus line to shed the egg and the other causes the uterus to contract. Those who are at eight weeks or less pregnant have a higher chance of terminating a pregnancy with this method. A majority of people prefer the abortion pill as the method feels more natural and allows the abortion process to take place as soon as the individual has a positive pregnancy test.

The Abortion Pill procedure can also be performed from 11 weeks to over thirty weeks which includes all second trimester, late term and third trimester abortion procedures. After a certain number of weeks regnant, there must be strict maternal or fetal indications to terminate the pregnancies. The medical literature from around the world shows that the use of the Abortion Pill procedure in late term pregnancies are highly safe, efficient and effective.

When Can One Take a Morning After Or Abortion Pill?

Now, we will help you understand how and when the abortion or morning-after pill should be taken to avoid unnecessary complications after termination of pregnancy. In addition, we will be sharing with you what an overdose or taking the meds in the wrong way can do to the body.

The Abortion Pill

As the name suggests, Abortion Pills are not to be taken as Morning After pills but only to terminate the present pregnancy. It is meant to terminate the pregnancy up to the ninth week of pregnancy and is an alternative to surgical abortion. However, never take an abortion pill without consulting a medical professional as there are many adverse effects if the medication taken does not matches the condition. Medical professionals advise that an ultrasound test be done before taking the pill.

Why Get an Ultrasound Done?

An ultrasound will help the person understand as to whether the pregnancy is still in the womb or outside the womb or uterus. In the second case, it is not advisable to use an abortion pill as it might lead to a life-threatening situation. If the person takes medicine when the pregnancy is outside the womb or uterus, it can lead to many abortion pill side effects such as the bursting of the fallopian tube, which can prove fatal for the person. Apart from this, ultrasound also helps in knowing the exact duration of the pregnancy thereby help provide a suitable solution.

When Are these to be taken?

If the abortion pill is taken within the first two weeks of pregnancy and in the manner prescribed by a doctor, the chances of its effectiveness are more than 95%. However, the person needs to find an abortion pill clinic to receive the best medical supervision. Medical guidance might be required if the person is suffering from anemia, cardiovascular disease, or an uncontrollable seizure disorder.

In the case of the pregnancy is more than 49 days, the person should not take the pill without proper medical supervision.

Are There Any Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill has a higher degree of effectiveness for terminating a pregnancy. However, some of the issues that may arise from these pills include;

• Infection

• Excessive bleeding for a longer time

• Blood clots in the uterus

• Allergic reaction to the medicine

At times, it might cause certain complications that can be dangerous to the person. These can include;

• Heavy vaginal bleeding

• Passing of large clots

• Stomach pain or cramps

• Fever of 100 or higher

• Weakness, Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea

If any of these complications happen, do not delay any further and contact the nearest health center or call your doctor.

The Morning After Pill

The Morning After Pill will be effective up to 3 days after having unprotected sexual intercourse. It is readily available at the local drug store, and there is no need of having a medical prescription to buy it. The effectiveness of a Morning After Pill is between 75-89% if taken within 72 hours of unprotected intercourse. However, some morning-after pills might be ineffective depending upon the person’s BMI (Body Mass Index).

When Do I Need to take the Morning After Pill?

With a majority of the morning-after pills, the person needs to take them within a maximum of 5 days after unprotected intercourse.

Are there any Side Effects That I Need to Be Aware about?

After taking the morning-after pill, it is natural for the next period to come earlier, later, be heavier, or lighter. Apart from this, the person can feel lightheaded and dizzy. If the person vomits within 2 hours of taking the pill, they will need to retake the medication. Also, cramping, and unexpected bleeding is some of the mild side effects caused after taking the pill.

Besides, no two contraceptives should be mixed or taken in a dosage other than the one prescribed by the doctor. These two things can increase the chances of the person falling sick. If the person receives the pills every month or several times a month, then they need to consult a doctor to know about other contraceptive options.

The Conclusion

Hence, both the abortion pill and morning-after pill helps in termination of unwanted pregnancy. However, both should always be taken with care as an overdose of either one can lead to sickness and even a life-threatening condition. This will ensure that the medicines help in avoiding unwanted pregnancy without causing any complications to the person.

The Fort Lauderdale Women’s Center is Offering The One Hour Abortion Pill Procedure – 3 to 14 Weeks. Patients who qualify may receive a significant discount in the price of the procedure if they meet certain criteria.

Call Us Now For Same Day Appointment.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center