If you’ve recently had unprotected sex and are worried you might become pregnant or are already pregnant, it’s vital you understand the difference between the abortion pill and Plan B.
The main difference is that Plan B prevents a pregnancy from happening and the abortion pill terminates an existing pregnancy. Keep reading for more details!
What is Plan B and How Does it Work?
Sometimes referred to as “the morning-after pill,” Plan B is an over-the-counter medication used to prevent pregnancy within 72 hours of having unprotected sex.
Plan B works in three ways. First, the medication prevents ovulation so an egg will not be released. If the egg has already been released, Plan B will prevent the egg from being fertilized by the sperm. If an egg has already been fertilized, Plan B’s last defense against pregnancy is to alter the uterine lining to prevent implantation.
It’s important to note that Plan B will not end a pregnancy that has already begun to develop, but will attempt to prevent pregnancy before it happens.
What Are the Side Effects of Plan B?
Plan B may result in side effects such as heavy bleeding, nausea, abdominal pain, exhaustion, headaches, and dizziness.
Plan B should not be used as a consistent form of birth control and should be avoided if possible due to these side effects.
What is the Abortion Pill and How Does it Work?
Unlike Plan B, the abortion pill is a medication used to terminate an unwanted pregnancy that has already begun to develop. The abortion pill process uses the drugs Mifepristone and Misoprostol and should only be taken in the first 10 weeks of pregnancy.
The abortion pill process starts with an oral administration of the drug mifepristone. This medication blocks the body’s production of the hormone called progesterone, which is needed for the pregnancy to grow and develop. Once the fetus is deprived of the nutrients and support it needs from progesterone, the pregnancy will end.
Next, misoprostol will be administered in order to cause contractions and expel the pregnancy from the uterus in the form of large blood clots.
What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill may result in side effects including heavy bleeding, exhaustion, nausea, fever and chills, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, and dizziness.
Additionally, some women experience severe health risks like sepsis, infection, and hemorrhage.
What do I Need to do Before I Take the Abortion Pill?
Before taking the abortion pill and to avoid major health complications, we recommend receiving lab-quality pregnancy testing, an ultrasound scan, STI testing, and medical consultation.
Taking time to explore your unique pregnancy conditions, including your gestational age or the location of your pregnancy, will help you make an informed and empowered choice for your future.
The Open Door provides free, confidential pregnancy testing, STI testing, medical consultations, pregnancy and parenting classes, material items like car seats and baby beds, post-abortion care, and more.
Schedule your free appointment today!