Is your period late, and you think you’re pregnant? Are you scared and confused about what to do next? Maybe you’re unsure of what the difference is between Plan B and the abortion pill. There is a major difference between the two, and we want to help clear up any confusion around it. Know that you are not alone. Be informed so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
What is Plan B?
Plan B, also called the morning-after pill, is a type of emergency birth control. It’s contraception used to prevent pregnancy for those who have had unprotected sex or forgot to take their pill. Plan B works to delay or prevent ovulation.
Side Effects of Plan B
Side effects of Plan B/the morning-after pill, which typically last only a few days, might include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Breast tenderness
- Bleeding between periods or heavier menstrual bleeding
- Lower abdominal pain or cramps
What is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill, also known as medication abortion, uses two abortion drugs to terminate a pregnancy. Mifepristone, the first drug, is taken to block the hormone progesterone. This causes the lining of the uterus to thin and prevents the embryo from staying implanted or growing. The second abortion drug, Misoprostol, makes the uterus contract and expel the embryo through the vagina.
Side Effects of the Abortion Pill
Potential side effects of medication abortion (the abortion pill) include:
- Incomplete abortion, which may need to be followed by surgical abortion
- An ongoing unwanted pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
What Do I Do Next?
Taking either of these pills can be accompanied by serious side effects and health risks. It’s vital to confirm your pregnancy with a lab-quality pregnancy test and ultrasound before moving forward with the abortion pill. An ultrasound can alert you to any pregnancy complications and show you what pregnancy options you are eligible for.
