While there are websites offering the abortion pill online, this is an option that you should not consider. Recently, the Supreme Court ruled against the abortion pill being obtained online, so be aware if you see a clinic offering the abortion pill online, they most likely are not an authorized medical facility.
1 in 50 pregnancies are ectopic, according to the American Pregnancy Association. An ectopic pregnancy is any pregnancy that is not within the uterus. 95% of ectopic pregnancies develop in the fallopian tubes. The fallopian tubes are not capable of holding a growing embryo, so it is important for an ectopic pregnancy to be diagnosed as soon as possible.
If you are thinking about taking the abortion pill, it is important for you to have an ultrasound first to confirm that your pregnancy is not ectopic. If you take the abortion pill, it will not end an ectopic pregnancy. This is why you should be weary to purchase the abortion pill online. You need to see a medical professional in person in an office and receive a medical screening before obtaining the abortion pill to ensure that your pregnancy is in the uterus.
What are the signs and symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy presents with certain signs and symptoms, including; sharp abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, weakness, dizziness, or fainting. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important for you to seek medical attention.
What are the risk factors for having an ectopic pregnancy?
According to the American Pregnancy Association, risk factors for an ectopic pregnancy are:
Maternal age of 35-44 years
Previous ectopic pregnancy
Previous pelvic or abdominal surgery
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Several induced abortions
Conceiving after having a tubal ligation or while an IUD is in place
Smoking
Endometriosis
Undergoing fertility treatments or are using fertility medications
Is an ectopic pregnancy dangerous?
Yes. An ectopic pregnancy can result in your fallopian tube rupturing if the embryo continues to grow. Surgical intervention may be necessary, depending upon the location of the ectopic pregnancy.
What are the risks for taking the abortion pill if I have an ectopic pregnancy?
There have been cases reported of patients taking the abortion pill that have resulted in death due to the patient going into septic shock. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have issued a warning against using the abortion pill during an ectopic pregnancy.
How is an ectopic pregnancy diagnosed?
An ultrasound is able to determine if you have an ectopic pregnancy. At Ridgeway Women’s Clinic, we provide free Pre-Abortion Evaluations, which include an ultrasound performed by a Sonographer to determine whether or not you have an ectopic pregnancy. If you are pregnant and considering abortion, make Ridgeway Women’s Clinic your first stop.
Ridgeway Women’s Clinic does not refer nor provide abortions.
(2020, October 26). Ectopic Pregnancy. American Pregnancy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/healthy-pregnancy/pregnancy-complications/ectopic-pregnancy-839/
