If you or someone you care about is facing an unexpected pregnancy, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. With so much information (and misinformation) out there, it can be hard to know where to start. First Step Women's Center is here to help you cut through the confusion and get the facts.
Let’s get into it!
#1 Cytotec (Misoprostol)
Cytotec, or Misoprostol, is commonly used alongside Mifepristone in medical abortions. However, some people attempt to use Cytotec alone, which comes with significant risks. While Cytotec can induce uterine contractions, using it without medical supervision can lead to dangerous outcomes.
Key Risk Factors
Incomplete Abortions: Cytotec alone may not effectively end the pregnancy, leading to an incomplete abortion.
Excessive Bleeding: Uncontrolled bleeding is a severe risk.
Infection: Without follow-up care, infections can develop, putting your health at risk.
These complications often require emergency medical care, so it’s essential to know the risks before deciding on your pregnancy.
#2 Complications and Potential Risks
While there are many online abortion pill providers, purchasing abortion pills online without medical oversight is not safe. While it might seem like a quick fix, it’s important to know what you’re risking.
Key Risk Factors
Undiagnosed Ectopic Pregnancy: Without an ultrasound, you may not realize that your pregnancy is ectopic (where the embryo implants outside the uterus), which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Unknown Gestational Age: You may not know how far along you are, which is crucial since abortion pills are only FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks.
Unknown Medications: The FDA warns against ordering abortion pills online because drugs have been tampered with or have included a mix of other foreign substances. Hospitalization rates are higher in women who have at-home abortions via self-managed drugs.
Self-managed abortions can leave you vulnerable to serious health risks without professional guidance.
#3 Confirmation via Ultrasound
Before making a final decision, getting an ultrasound is one of the most critical steps you can take. It provides the information you need to know regarding your pregnancy.
Ectopic Pregnancy Detection, which means the pregnancy is developing outside the uterus and requires urgent medical care.
Gestational Age is knowing how far along you are. It is crucial because abortion pills are efficacious and FDA-approval only up to 10 weeks of pregnancy.
By confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound, you’re ensuring that your decisions are based on accurate medical information, protecting your health and safety.
You Deserve the Right Information
Understanding Cytotec, Plan C, and the importance of confirming your pregnancy with an ultrasound will help you make informed and safe decisions regarding your pregnancy. Knowledge is power, and you deserve to have the facts that are essential to your well-being.
We Are Here for You
You don’t have to navigate this alone! Schedule a no-cost ultrasound today to get the facts, support, and peace of mind you deserve. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.
Sources:
Raymond, E. G., Harrison, M. S., & Weaver, M. A. (2018). Efficacy of Misoprostol alone for First-Trimester Medical Abortion. Obstetrics and Gynecology, 133(1), 137–147. https://doi.org/10.1097/aog.0000000000003017
Abortion. (2024, June 13). American Pregnancy Association. https://americanpregnancy.org/unplanned-pregnancy/abortion/
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