There are many misconceptions when it comes to Plan B and the abortion pill. In this blog, we’ll be discussing the difference between these two medications and what to do if you think you may be facing an unplanned pregnancy.
What is Plan B?
Also called “the morning-after pill,” Plan B is an over-the-counter medication that can be used to prevent pregnancy after having unprotected sex.
How Does Plan B Prevent a Pregnancy?
Using a three-step approach, Plan B can be used to prevent pregnancy within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.
First, the medication attempts to prevent an egg from being released by preventing ovulation from occurring. If, however, the egg has already been released, the medication will attempt to prevent it from being fertilized by the sperm. If the egg has already been fertilized, Plan B will alter the lining of the uterus to prevent the egg from implanting and developing into a pregnancy.
What Are the Side Effects of Plan B?
Plan B may be accompanied by unpleasant side effects, such as heavy bleeding, pain in the abdomen, nausea, tiredness, headaches, and dizziness.
It is also important to note that Plan B may not prevent pregnancy and does not protect you from sexually transmitted infections.
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill uses a chemical process to terminate a pregnancy within the first 10 weeks (or 70 days) of pregnancy. Unlike Plan B, the abortion pill ends a pregnancy that has already started to develop.
How Does the Abortion Pill End a Pregnancy?
The abortion pill, sometimes referred to as a medcial abortion, utilizes two medications, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, to end a pregnancy.
First, Mifepristone is administered to prevent the uterus from being able to absorb progesterone, the hormone which is necessary for the development and growth of a healthy pregnancy.
After the pregnancy has ended, the second medication, Misoprostol, is administered in order to cause the body to contract and push the pregnancy tissue from the uterus.
What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is often accompanied by uncomfrtable and painful side effects, such as nausea, fever and chills, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, and dizziness. When taking the abortion pill, women can expect to experience heavy bleeding and cramping as the pregnancy tissue exits the body.
In addition to these side effects, some women experience more severe and lasting health risks. These risks include sepsis, infection, and hemorrhaging and can be fatal if left untreated. Because of this, we recommend taking the necessary precautions and undergoing important screenings before deciding to take the abortion pill.
What Do I Need to Know Before I Take the Abortion Pill?
If you think you may be pregnant, we highly recommend undergoing the necessary pre-abortion screenings and tests in order to ensure you are making a safe and healthy choice.
Before scheduling your abortion procedure, it’s recommended that you confirm your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test and receive an ultrasound scan. An ultrasound will help you and your doctor determine your eligibility for the abortion pill and whether or not there are any health conditions you should consider before making a choice for your pregnancy.
Life Choices Center provides free lab-quality pregnancy testing, referrals for no-cost ultrasound scans, options counseling, material help, and more!