Choosing the abortion pill (also called medical abortion) for your pregnancy means you’ll take several drugs, each with its own side effects and risks. An abortion is a significant decision that can impact your future, so learning everything you can about this option is critical.
Medical supervision is an essential part of any procedure or protocol. If you take abortion drugs without oversight, you could open yourself up to additional risks and complications.
We’ll explain the risks below. Women’s Care Center Parkersburg wants to help you make an informed decision considering your health and well-being.
Medical Supervision Matters
Healthcare providers are specially trained to educate you on the risks and side effects of drugs. They can discuss your health history and ensure you understand the risks of following through with a procedure.
There are several situations when a lack of medical oversight would occur. Below, we’ll help you understand what that entails.
At-Home Abortion
An at-home abortion (also called an online abortion) occurs when you purchase abortion drugs online and receive them in the mail. Then, you take these drugs in your home.
First, know that this is not a standard procedure. The FDA does not recommend purchasing these drugs online because their quality, safety, and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. Since these drugs come from foreign or unregulated sources, you can’t verify that they’re the correct dosage or even type of drug.
As a result, you could take these drugs without knowing what you’re ingesting. Additionally, many women only purchase these drugs after a single telehealth appointment, which means they won’t receive continuous supervision, have an ultrasound to confirm they’re pregnant, or discuss their full eligibility for the drugs.
An at-home abortion can also mean you don’t recognize the warning signs of risks like infection or bleeding. Not knowing when to go to the hospital can mean you miss opportunities for life-preserving emergency care.
Lack of Information
Sometimes, it might seem that all you must do to have an abortion is schedule an appointment. However, you owe it to yourself to make fact-based decisions.
For example, a positive pregnancy test alone is not enough to move forward. An ultrasound is the only way to confirm your pregnancy is progressing and located in the uterus. Some women experience miscarriage or an ectopic pregnancy, which require immediate medical attention.
This scan will also tell you how far along you are. Your gestational age is a critical detail because the FDA has only approved abortion drugs through 10 weeks gestation. Taking the drugs past the recommended timeframe can affect your health.
After having an ultrasound, you’ll also want to meet with a healthcare provider to discuss all options. You may learn that the abortion pill isn’t an option because of a preexisting condition or if you don’t have access to emergency care. This medical oversight will provide clarity.
There’s a lot of information out there about abortion; know that you have a place at Women’s Care Center Parkersburg to get the details you can trust.
Confidential Services
Women’s Care Center Parkersburg provides abortion information consultations, limited ultrasounds, and more. We’ll equip you to understand your pregnancy details and options so you can make a confident decision.
Schedule a complimentary appointment today. You aren’t alone.
Women’s Care Center Parkersburg does not provide or refer for abortions.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.