Self- managed abortions, sometimes also called at-home or DIY abortions, happen outside of a medical clinic. Usually, this involves taking abortion pills (mifepristone and/or misoprostol) after having an online consultation with a healthcare provider. [1]
Abortion pills contain two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks a hormone called progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy, causing the baby to detach from the wall of your uterus and ending its life. Misoprostol is taken 24-48 hours later, which causes cramping and bleeding and empties the uterus. Pain and bleeding can be intense and last for several hours. Side effects also include nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness and a low-grade fever.
Although websites offering self-managed abortions do not require an ultrasound, the medical staff at Savannah Care Center strongly recommend you receive one. Ultrasound is the most accurate way to date your pregnancy, and it is important to know exactly how many weeks along you are. Abortion pills are used until 10 weeks gestation and are less effective later in pregnancy, which can result in an incomplete abortion and increase your risk for serious complications like severe bleeding, increased pain, and life-threatening infection (sepsis) if fetal remains stay in your uterus after the abortion.
The following situations can cause your menstrual period to be irregular or absent, which can make it difficult to date your pregnancy based on last menstrual period alone:
Ultrasound is also used to check for ectopic pregnancy. This condition happens when the pregnancy implants somewhere outside of the uterus, like the fallopian tubes. Abortion pills do not work on ectopic pregnancies, even if you experience vaginal bleeding after taking the pills. Untreated ectopic pregnancies can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding, so it is important to have an ultrasound examination to identify them. If you are pregnant, Savannah Care Center offers free, confidential ultrasounds that are reviewed by a licensed physician.
You may hear about other methods such as using herbs, certain foods, ingesting toxic substances like household cleaners, or injuring yourself to induce an abortion. It is important to know that these methods are not effective at causing an abortion, and can result in serious injury or death. Even things that are usually safe, such as over-the-counter medications, can make you seriously ill if you don’t take them according to the label instructions. Please do not attempt any of these methods, and talk to a healthcare professional.
There are also websites that call themselves online “pharmacies” and sell abortion pills without a prescription. It is important to know that these websites are not real pharmacies, sell medications that are not made in the US and are not inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means that these medications have not been tested by the FDA to make sure they are safe or effective. The FDA warns that they can potentially cause serious harm and do not recommend using unlicensed online “pharmacies”. [2]
Directories for these websites say that they test “similar products received from online pharmacies”, but “cannot guarantee” they are legitimate at the time you make a purchase. [3] We do not recommend taking ANY medication from sources that may be unsafe. Because abortions are medical procedures that carry a risk of serious side effects, you should not take abortion pills without talking to a healthcare professional to help you understand your options, potential risks, and receive basic medical testing. The registered nurses at Savannah Care Center are available to answer any questions you have.
If you or someone you know is experiencing an unplanned pregnancy, you are not alone. The staff and volunteers at Savannah Care Center are here to provide support for women and men facing unplanned pregnancy decisions. We offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasound services, and provide a compassionate, confidential and non-judgmental environment to walk through your pregnancy options. Call today to schedule an appointment at 912-236-0916.
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Disclaimers:
All information shared by you during your relationship with the Center and its representatives will be kept in strictest confidence except as required by law or as required for the protection of yourself or others.
Savannah Care Center does not offer or refer for abortions or birth control. Information is provided as an educational service and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
Our services are not intended to be a substitute for licensed professional counseling or for either routine or emergency medical or prenatal care. Individuals who believe they are experiencing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1 and seek care from the nearest emergency room.
The information provided on this website is for general education purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional and/or medical advice.
