Abortion Pill Effects

Abortion Pill Effects
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The abortion pill is known in the medical community as mifepristone, RU 86, or mifeprex, which are all names for the same drug. The abortion pill can be taken up until the 49th day of pregnancy under the close supervision of a physician. The drug causes the body to stop producing the necessary hormones to maintain a pregnancy, and the embryo becomes expelled usually within one to two weeks. A few side effects with this drug prove common, but if you experience heavy and prolonged bleeding, severe cramping, fainting, chest pain or difficulty breathing, you must call 911 or visit your local emergency room immediately as these can indicate symptoms of a more severe nature. Your physician will give you information specific to your case and advice as to when you should call him concerning adverse reactions.

Abdominal Pain

The most common symptom reported after taking the abortion pill is abdominal pain and stomach cramping. When the hormones that maintain pregnancy stop producing due to the abortion pill, the cervix and uterus begin to cramp as the body prepares to expel the pregnancy. Report any severe and intolerable pain to your physician immediately.

Nausea and Vomiting

The hormones created by the body during pregnancy can cause nausea and vomiting in and of themselves. The abortion causes the body to stop making these hormones very rapidly, and this throws the body out of rhythm hormonally. This sudden cessation of pregnancy hormones can cause nausea with or without vomiting and may last a few days. If vomiting becomes severe or persists, dehydration may result. Dehydration can lead to serious health complications, including death, so medical treatment becomes necessary for excessive vomiting.

Dizziness

Dizziness is another common symptom associated with the sudden cessation of pregnancy hormones. Dizziness usually proves mild and only lasts two to three days. If your symptoms become unbearable, contact the physician who prescribed you the abortion pill for further medical instruction.

Headaches

Headaches are very common after taking the abortion pill. Again, this symptom results due to the sudden cessation of pregnancy hormones. You may also experience headaches as a symptom of pregnancy and if severe, your physician may prescribe pain medications to alleviate your discomfort. These headaches can range from mild to severe and usually resolve within a week.

References

Article reviewed by Rachel Mattison Last updated on: Apr 9, 2010

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