If you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you may feel overwhelmed with all your options. Indecision can cause a sense of paralysis, making the situation seem even more daunting.
One option you may be considering is abortion. There’s a lot of information online, but sifting through it all can feel daunting. There is also a lot of misinformation on the internet, so it’s important to understand all your options and all procedures before making a decision.
Many people confuse Plan B with the abortion pill, so in this blog we unpack the key differences and explain why they can’t be used interchangeably.
What is Plan B?
Plan B is a type of contraceptive intended to prevent a pregnancy from occurring in the first place. The active ingredient in Plan B, Levonorgestrel, is designed to keep an egg from being fertilized in the uterus. Plan B can also prevent a fertilized egg from implanting, meaning it could end a pregnancy in the very early stages.
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill is a series of two pills designed to end an existing pregnancy during the first eight weeks of pregnancy. The first pill, mifepristone, is taken at the doctor’s office or abortion clinic where the medication is prescribed. The second pill, misoprostol, is taken at least 24 hours later at home.
Side Effects of the Abortion Pill
Ending a pregnancy via abortion is a major medical intervention for your body’s natural processes, so it comes with a list of potential negative side effects and risks including:
- Excessive bleeding and blood clots
- Cramping
- Vomiting and nausea
- Headaches and fatigue
If you experience any of these side effects longer than two weeks, you should seek immediate medical attention.
As you can see, Plan B and the abortion pill are two very different medications that are not to be confused. Plan B is an emergency contraceptive intended to keep a pregnancy from happening, and the abortion pill is a medication designed to end an existing pregnancy.
If you would like more information or think you may be pregnant and want to learn about your options, please contact us today for a free and confidential appointment.