Finding out you’re pregnant unexpectedly can bring up many questions, including how abortion works and what it means for your body. Learning about the process can help you make an informed decision and take steps to protect your health.
Harbour Health offers free, confidential support to help you understand your pregnancy, review your options, and get medically accurate information in a judgement-free setting. Pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, options consultations, and one-on-one guidance are available at no cost.
Schedule a free appointment with Harbour Health to confirm your pregnancy and talk through your options in a supportive environment.
Medical Abortion: How the Abortion Pill Works
A medical abortion, often referred to as the abortion pill, involves taking two different drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to support pregnancy, causing the pregnancy to stop developing. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through vaginal bleeding.
This FDA-approved method is approved for us in early pregnancy, generally up to 10 weeks gestation. Bleeding and cramping are expected and may be heavier than a typical period. Some people also experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, or chills.
Possible risks include heavy or prolonged bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion that may require additional medical treatment. In some cases, the abortion pill may not work as intended.
Surgical Abortion: What to Expect
Surgical abortion is performed in a medical facility by a trained clinician. In early pregnancy, a dilation and curettage (D&C) involves dilating the cervix and removing the pregnancy from the uterus using a curette or suction device. Dilation and evacuation (D&E) uses a vacuum, forceps, and other surgical instruments.
After a surgical abortion, cramping and bleeding may occur for up to two weeks. Possible risks include infection, injury to the cervix or uterine lining, uterine perforation, scar tissue formation, blood clots, or complications that could affect future fertility.
Why an Ultrasound Is Important
Before an abortion, confirming the pregnancy with testing and an ultrasound is important. An ultrasound helps determine how far along the pregnancy is, confirms that the pregnancy is located in the uterus, and assesses viability by checking for signs of development, such as fetal cardiac activity.
This information matters because some pregnancies end naturally through miscarriage and may involve different care. An ultrasound can also identify ectopic pregnancy, a serious condition that requires immediate treatment and cannot be managed with abortion. In North Carolina, pregnancy testing and an ultrasound are legally required before an abortion.
Making an Informed Decision
You have the right to receive full information, ask questions, and take time to consider your options without pressure.
Harbour Health provides free, confidential pregnancy services and supportive care to help you understand your health and options. Schedule an appointment today to get the information you need to move forward with clarity.
Harbour Health does not provide or refer for abortions.
