If you are facing an unplanned pregnancy and considering your options, you may wonder about Plan C.
Plan C is a new name for a medical abortion, also commonly called the “abortion pill.” Regardless of what term you use, a medical abortion is a procedure that uses drugs to terminate a viable pregnancy.
How Does Medical Abortion (Plan C) Work?
A medical abortion consists of two drugs taken in a specific order. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks your body from receiving the pregnancy hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the lining of your uterus thins and forces the embryo to detach and stop growing.
After this happens, usually within 24-48 hours, the second drug is taken—this drug, known as misoprostol, causes your uterus to contract. The contraction forces the embryo out of your body through the vagina.
While this may sound simple, medical abortion is a serious procedure with limitations and risks.
For example, the FDA approves a medical abortion only through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy to avoid putting your health at risk with serious complications. Because of this, an ultrasound scan is required to confirm the age of your pregnancy and that you are eligible for the procedure.
As with any drug, there are known side effects and risks. Since you take both drugs on your own without medical oversight, be mindful of potential complications so you can access healthcare immediately if necessary.
The following are potential complications you should be aware of::
- Heavy bleeding: This is the most common side effect and can last several hours or days. If you’re bleeding through two or more pads within an hour, this is too heavy.
- Cramping: Cramping can be intense. If your pain is severe and isn’t relieved by ibuprofen, or if it doesn’t get better after 1 to 2 days, let your healthcare provider know.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever: These side effects can occur after taking misoprostol.
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection with any abortion procedure. If you have a temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) that doesn’t go down with medication and lasts more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol, this could be a sign of an infection.
- Allergic reaction: Rarely, a woman may have an allergic reaction to the medication.
- Incomplete abortion: Plan C may not end the pregnancy completely, and a surgical abortion may be necessary.
Plan C requires meeting with a healthcare provider to obtain a prescription. The FDA recommends you not purchase these drugs online.
Getting the Answers You Need
For your health and safety, you deserve to know all the details about your pregnancy and what options are available to you.
That’s where the trained staff at Palm Beach Women’s Clinic can help. Our no-cost pregnancy services include in-clinic pregnancy tests and a follow-up ultrasound scan, providing valuable information about your pregnancy, like age and viability.
Our staff will also take the time to answer your questions, discuss your options, and provide the details you need to make the right decision for yourself.
You don’t have to feel confused and overwhelmed about your unplanned pregnancy.
Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential appointment and get the answers you need to make the best choice for your future.