A one-night stand seemed romantic at the time. But now that you are staring at a positive pregnancy test the fling seems less like something from a sexy Rom-Com and more like something from your worst nightmare. Sure you want to have kids, but not this way. Not with a practical stranger.
But what can you do with your surprise pregnancy? Should you take the Plan B pill? The Abortion pill? Is there a difference?
What is the Plan B Pill?
Often called “the morning after” pill, Plan B is a drug that must be taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex. It does not end a pregnancy but does help prevent it.
According to the New York Times, “(Plan B) contains levonorgestrel, which mainly works by stopping the release of an egg from the ovaries. It may also prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg; or if fertilization has already occurred, it may prevent the embryo from attaching to the uterus.”
While plan B is legal at the federal level, there is talk of restricting access to some contraceptives like Plan B in the future.
Does Plan B Have Side Effects?
As with all medication, there are always side effects. Mayo Clinic advises that Plan B should not be used routinely, since it is not as effective as other forms of contraception, does not protect against sexually transmitted infections, and can cause adverse health effects. Those include:
- Vaginal bleeding is not associated with a menstrual period
- Vomiting and nausea
- Dizziness
- Cramping
- Tiredness
- Breast tenderness
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill, which must be taken within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy, is actually a series of pills that are taken orally at home. First, mifepristone is taken, and then about a day later misoprostol follows. These pills block the hormone progesterone, which is needed for a pregnancy to continue.
Within a couple of hours or days, your body will essentially go into labor and will expel the contents of your uterus through contractions and bleeding.
What are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
Though many medical professionals tout nothing but the safety and easiness of the abortion pill, there are indeed side effects.
Some of the common side effects include nausea, cramping, vomiting, and headache. This method is contraindicated for people who use an IUD for birth control. This means taking this medication under these circumstances could put your health at risk and might even lead to death.
It is also important to note that if you live in a state where abortion is illegal like Missouri, you can’t legally get a prescription for the abortion pill. Many doctors in other states will want to see you in person before prescribing the abortion pill to ensure you are really less than 10 weeks gestation. So, you will need to consider travel costs associated with any doctor visits.
What Now?
If you suspect pregnancy the first thing you need to do is confirm your pregnancy with pregnancy testing and an ultrasound. An ultrasound will confirm whether or not you have a healthy, growing pregnancy, how far along you are, and more. This knowledge is crucial to determining your next course of action.
Taking Plan B or the Abortion Pill are not your only options, even in a landscape that is now largely restrictive for abortion. You have more choices, and you need to know all the information about each option before you make a choice that could live with you for the rest of your life.
At our center, we offer no-cost pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and more. We can talk to you about all the options that lay before you and help you make the best decision for your future. Your pregnancy may not have been your choice, but what you do with it matters. Please contact us today for a no-cost consultation.