How To Take Abortion Pills?

So how does the abortion pill work? First, your healthcare provider will conduct blood or urine tests to confirm the pregnancy, if you haven't already done so. Then she will perform a medical exam and ultrasound to make sure the pregnancy isn't ectopic. Finally, she'll explain the medication abortion procedure and give written instructions. "But these details differ based on where you live and your doctor, so please consult your medical provider to get the specifics," advises Dr. Joy.

Two separate pills are required for a medication abortion: Mifeprex (mifepristone) and misoprostol.

Mifeprex: The first dose is 200 mg of Mifeprex taken orally. Mifeprex blocks the pregnancy hormone progesterone, which is needed to support healthy gestation. The pill causes the lining of the uterus to thin and shed.

Misoprostol: Within 72 hours, you'll take 800 mcg of misoprostol buccally (in the cheek). Misoprostol stimulates uterine contractions to expel the embryo and gestational sac, thus ending the developing pregnancy.

Many women take Mifeprex in the clinic and misoprostol at home, although this varies according to preference and state law. You might also be given antibiotics to prevent infection. Pregnancy should terminate within a few days of taking misoprostol.

About two weeks after taking abortion pills, you'll return to your healthcare provider for a follow-up visit. Incomplete abortion may lead to infection, so it's important to get checked out. Those with a failed abortion may need to take another dose of abortion pills. Alternately, you might need to undergo an in-clinic surgical abortion, which is especially likely if the pregnancy is beyond 10 weeks old. Surgical procedures include manual vacuum aspiration (MVA)