Before any major medical decision, such as abortion, speaking with your healthcare provider first is vital. If you’re considering ordering the abortion pill online, be aware of the information you need beforehand and the limitations of using this method. If you have any questions or concerns, call us at (952) 938-4496 or schedule an appointment today.
What Should I Do First?
The FDA has strict guidelines for using the abortion pill method, also known as a medical abortion. They approve this regimen to end a pregnancy through ten weeks gestation (70 days or less since the first day of a patient’s last menstrual period). The Mayo Clinic suggests taking the drugs within seven weeks of the first day of your last period.
As you can see, knowing how far along you are in your pregnancy is extremely important for using this method. Are you confident about your date of conception?
How Do I Determine When I Got Pregnant?
A normal menstrual cycle runs every 28 to 30 days, but women’s bodies are unique. What’s normal for one woman may be entirely different for another. Some women use period-tracking apps to determine their cycles, but studies found these aren’t as reliable as they suggest.
According to the NIH, “ultrasound is the most reliable method to establish pregnancy dating, particularly first-trimester ultrasound.” An ultrasound is essential for several reasons, including the following:
- Reveals the location of the pregnancy. Although rare, a pregnancy can implant outside the uterus, causing life-threatening complications.
- Determines the gestational age (how far along you are in your pregnancy) by measuring the size of the fetus.
- Indicates a detectable heartbeat to determine if the pregnancy is growing or if you have had a miscarriage, which occurs in up to 20% of pregnancies.
At SouthWest Options for Women, we provide a lab-quality pregnancy test and limited ultrasound free of charge.
Who Shouldn’t Have a Medical Abortion?
The Mayo Clinic lists the following reasons why a medical abortion wouldn’t be good for you:
- You are too far along in your pregnancy
- You have an intrauterine device (IUD) in place
- Your pregnancy is located outside of the uterus
- You have certain medical conditions, such as heart, liver, kidney, or lung disease
- You take a blood thinner
- You can’t make follow-up visits
- You have an allergy to the medicine used
Is It Safe to Order Abortion Pill Drugs Online?
The FDA does not recommend buying mifepristone (the first drug in the abortion pill method) online. They recommend you visit your healthcare provider first.
The United States has safeguards to ensure any drugs you order online meet quality, safety, and effectiveness requirements. It is unsafe to randomly select a site based on a lower price or faster delivery. You could be purchasing drugs from another country that doesn’t have the exact requirements.
In addition, an at-home abortion means you have no medical oversight. How will you know if you are bleeding more than you should or experiencing more pain than necessary?
We Can Help You
Before you decide about your pregnancy, visit SouthWest Options for Women. We provide a free pregnancy test and can schedule you for a free limited obstetrical ultrasound if the test is positive.
We would also be happy to explain abortion procedures, side effects, potential risks, and your pregnancy options. We are here to provide answers and pregnancy information so you can make a confident decision moving forward. Let us be your next best step.
Call or schedule your appointment today!