Are you facing an unplanned pregnancy and researching your options? It can be confusing to understand your immediate choices, such as knowing the difference between the abortion pill and Plan B.
Essentially, Plan B prevents pregnancy within a narrow time window after sex. You take the abortion pill to terminate an existing pregnancy.
Read the rest of the article to understand better how each drug works and your options if you’re already pregnant.
How the Abortion Pill Works
The abortion pill is a series of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. This abortion method is only FDA-approved up to 10 weeks (70 days) gestation (how far along you are in your pregnancy).
The first drug, mifepristone, acts as an antiprogestin to block the hormone progesterone from reaching the pregnancy, inevitably ending the pregnancy.
Approximately 24-48 hours after mifepristone administration, misoprostol is taken to induce uterine contractions. This allows the uterus to expel the remaining pregnancy contents through cramping and bleeding. It’s normal to experience heavy cramping and vaginal bleeding during this step.
How Plan B Works
While the abortion pill only works after conception and a pregnancy has been established, you must take Plan B within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It works to delay or prevent fertilization, so pregnancy doesn’t begin.
Plan B does not protect you from an STI, nor should it be a regular part of your routine conception.
What Are My Options?
The first step is to confirm your pregnancy. You can schedule a no-cost lab-quality pregnancy test at Ridgeway Women’s Clinic. If you’ve had a positive pregnancy test, consider scheduling a no-cost ultrasound with us.
An ultrasound can determine the age and location of the pregnancy and eliminate health risks, such as an ectopic pregnancy. Knowing these facts will also inform you of your eligibility for the abortion pill.
We’re here to help you understand all your options in a low-pressure environment. During your consultation, our staff can provide any information you need to make the right decision for your situation. You’ll have a safe space to ask questions, discuss concerns, and figure out the next steps at your own pace. Reach out today to make an appointment!
