How long do you bleed after the abortion pill?

Many women wonder how long you bleed after the abortion pill. Plan C, the abortion pill, involves taking two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. The second drug, misoprostol, causes  cramping, which may be severe, and bleeding which reaches its peak in 4-24 hours after ingestion. [2] It’s normal to have bleeding or spotting several weeks after a medicated abortion. If you are having severe bleeding after 24 hours, you should contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room. If you’d like to learn more or seek support, you can book an appointment or call (410) 784-4747.

Understanding the effects of Mifepristone

If you have just taken the first pill, mifepristone, you likely will not experience any negative side effects. Mifepristone’s role is to block the hormone progesterone, which is essential for pregnancy. If you have taken the first pill but would like to reverse course, you can pursue Abortion Pill Reversal. A course of progesterone prescribed by a physician may be able to reverse the effects of the mifepristone that you took, with a 64-68% success rate.  You can also visit: https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/ or call 1-877-558-0333. This hotline operates 24/7. 

What to expect after taking Misoprostol

Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. It is common to see blood, blood clots, or pieces of tissue when the abortion pill is working. However, seeing blood or clots does not mean that the abortion was successful. If you do not see bleeding after taking misoprostol, that means the medication did not work. The Yale medical journal Q&A online adds:

“The cramping and bleeding may be accompanied by chills, nausea, and fever, which are side effects of misoprostol. If nausea, vomiting, fever, or diarrhea persists more than 24 hours after taking the second set of pills, individuals should call their doctor.”[3] 

[1]  https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

[2] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html

[3]https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/medication-abortion-your-questions-answered

Different Types of Abortion Procedures

Finding yourself in an unexpected pregnancy can produce a flurry of questions.  But remember, you do have options!  When considering those options, it is important to get accurate information so that you feel comfortable in your understanding of each of those options. These options include: abortion, adoption, and parenting. If you’re considering abortion, you should know that there are different  types of abortion.

Surgical Abortion

The most well-known form of abortion is surgical abortion, also known as suction curettage abortion. This procedure, performed in the first and second trimesters (between 5-23 weeks), involves a physician using suction to empty the uterus. This procedure is 98% successful, with 2% of patients requiring further care post-op. The procedure is usually performed over one or two appointments, and usually takes at least 3-4 hours, possibly longer.  

It should be noted that there are risks involved with a surgical abortion procedure. Cervical injury or uterine perforation caused by the instruments used during the procedure can occur. There is also a risk of infection. Patients should expect cramping and pain during and after the procedure as well as bleeding after the procedure for up to two weeks.

Chemical Abortion

Chemical (medical abortion/the abortion pill) abortions occur at home, using a combination of two medications, mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone first halts the production of progesterone and then misoprostol causes contractions of the uterus to expel the contents. This method is successful approximately 93-95% of the time.  In situations where the procedure is not successful, patients may require an additional procedure known as suction curettage abortion. Chemical abortion may require two appointments with a physician, although these can be performed via telehealth from home.

There are significant risks associated with chemical abortions. Most patients experience strong cramps and heavy bleeding. There is a possibility of an incomplete abortion and infection. Since this type of abortion takes place at home, there are no medical professionals present to provide oversight of care or intervention if needed.

  For More Information

When considering an abortion, it is critical to understand your options as well as the risks and failure rates associated with each option. At PSC, we understand the significance of this decision and we prioritize your health and safety. Our dedicated medical team is committed to providing comprehensive support and care to help you navigate this decision. We encourage you to book an appointment or call (410) 784-4747 to receive a FREE medical consultation, critical health information, and a limited obstetrical ultrasound.

Why Getting an STI Test Before an Abortion Is Crucial

Before undergoing a serious medical procedure such as an abortion, it's critically important to complete STI testing before proceeding. STI stands for Sexually Transmitted Infection. It is important to be tested whether you have experienced symptoms or not, because latent but asymptomatic infections can pose serious risks to your health.

Unveiling Potential Risks

The process of abortion involves the opening of the cervix, rendering individuals vulnerable to a range of complications. In fact, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease is the most common complication of legal abortion.[4]  This is especially true if a woman has common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea. A study from Denmark showed that as many as 5-17% of women applying for abortion were infected with Chlamydia trachomatis, and many didn’t even know it.[5]

Ignoring the possibility of these infections can lead to the development of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID), a severe condition linked with long-term health complications. The repercussions may range from persistent pelvic and abdominal pain to the increased likelihood of future ectopic pregnancies and infertility. The potential risks are high.

Completing STI testing before opting for an abortion is a proactive measure that significantly mitigates the risk of potential health complications. By identifying and treating STIs beforehand, individuals can prevent the escalation of health stressors and avert potential harm to their reproductive health, ensuring a smoother and safer abortion procedure.

Types of STI’s

For more information on common STIs and their symptoms, feel free to explore the list of STI’s. This includes

●       Chlamydia

●       Gonorrhea

●       Trichomoniasis

●       HIV

●       Genital herpes symptoms

●       HPV

●       Hepatitis

●       Syphilis

●       Neurosyphilis

At PSC, we recognize the importance of prioritizing your health and well-being, especially during significant decisions such as considering an abortion. Although we do not test for STI’s, if you would like information about STI’s please book an appointment with us today.

[1] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/plan-b-one-step-15-mg-levonorgestrel-information

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539737/#:~:text=Levonorgestrel%20(LNG%E2%80%9417alpha%2Dethynyl,releasing%20hormone%20from%20the%20hypothalamus.

[3] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/information-about-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

[4] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8547409/

[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1462399/

The Art of Bonding with Your Newborn: A Guide for New Parents

Welcoming a newborn into the world is a monumental experience that initiates a lifelong journey of love and connection. Bonding with your baby is not just beneficial; it's a fundamental aspect of the parent-child relationship that lays the groundwork for your child's life. In this blog post, we'll explore the essentials of bonding with your newborn.

Bonding as a Journey

Bonding with your newborn is a process that deepens over time. The bond you create with your baby is the consequence of layers of trust developed by consistently meeting your baby's needs. Through this care, a strong bond naturally forms. If you find this process challenging, don't worry—it's normal for it to take time. Stay patient and keep nurturing your baby and the connection will develop.

The Power of Touch

Embrace every opportunity to hold your newborn, especially skin-to-skin. This contact is not just comforting; it's a profound way to strengthen your bond.

Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding

Both breastfeeding and bottle feeding are excellent bonding opportunities. While breastfeeding offers unique bonding experiences, bottle feeding, accompanied by close physical contact, also facilitates a deep connection. Through these feeding times, your baby will grow accustomed to your touch and scent, fostering a sense of security and attachment.

Eye Contact: A Silent Conversation

Eye contact is a simple yet profound way to bond. Engaging in frequent, gentle eye contact with your baby can significantly enhance the bonding process.

Responsive Parenting

Attuning to your baby's cries is crucial. Crying is your newborn's primary means of communication, and by responding sensitively, you're building trust and understanding. Over time, you'll start recognizing what different cries mean, like distinguishing a 'hungry' cry from a 'tired' cry.

Play and Communication

Interact with your baby through playing, reading, and talking. These activities are not just fun; your continuous conversation helps your baby become familiar with your voice, a comforting and bonding element in their development.

It's Okay to Need Support

Sometimes, life's demands can make bonding challenging. If bonding feels overwhelming, remember it's okay to seek help. Postpartum depression is more common than you think. If you feel persistent, consistent problems with sadness, you may have postpartum depression. If you need help, or you think you need help please reach out to PSC. We offer resources to new parents such as yourself and would love to be part of your support system. Rely on your support system to manage other tasks. Give yourself time to bond with your baby. 

Dangers of Buying the Abortion Pill Online

Many women wonder where to buy the abortion pill online. If you come across a website that is trying to sell you Plan C despite a legal risk or without a prescription, stop! That website is avoiding necessary safeguards that protect your health. The FDA explicitly discourages people from using online distribution sites for abortion pills.[1]

Signs of a risky website

The signs of a risky website are as follows:

1. The website offers you a chance to buy pills without having a prescription provided by a qualified medical professional

2. The website connects you with a foreign seller who does not have to follow FDA standards

3. The website takes no responsibility for any harm that might come to you. This is often disguised as a “disclaimer,” which absolves the website of all culpability for providing the drug and puts the legal burden on you for choosing to buy it.

Four Important Facts About Miscarriage

There are many misconceptions surrounding miscarriage, which may prompt questions among individuals planning or experiencing pregnancy. Empowering yourself with knowledge about this topic is crucial so that you understand what may be happening within your body.

Miscarriage is Common

Miscarriage is a relatively common phenomenon, impacting 10% to 20% of known pregnancies. However, the actual rate might be higher, considering that many miscarriages occur in the early stages, often before the pregnancy is even recognized. Typically, miscarriages happen within the first 13 weeks of gestation. 

Miscarriage has Many Causes

Miscarriages can happen for a variety of reasons, most of which are not under your control. Genetic abnormalities in the embryo or fetus are the most common causes of early miscarriages, often involving chromosomal irregularities. Some other factors may contribute to the likelihood of a miscarriage, including maternal age and health conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid disorders, PCOS, autoimmune disorders, drug use during pregnancy, and certain infections.  Lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug use could also play a role. 

Differentiation from Abortion

Miscarriage is not abortion. Miscarriage is a spontaneous pregnancy loss usually in the first trimester. Abortion is the deliberate termination of an otherwise viable pregnancy through medical or surgical intervention. Even in states in which abortion is restricted, miscarriages cannot be considered illegal as they are not the product of human action. They are natural occurrences beyond human control.

The Physical and Emotional Effects of Miscarriage are Pronounced

Following a miscarriage, individuals might experience a range of physical and emotional complications. Physical symptoms could include vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramping, fatigue, hormonal changes, and passing of fetal tissue. Emotionally, many women experience feelings of grief, sadness, anxiety, and isolation, along with strains on relationships. Seeking emotional support from loved ones and professionals, along with proper physical recovery and healthcare follow-ups, is vital for holistic healing.

Support at PSC

Understanding the intricacies of miscarriage is crucial for individuals and communities who offer vital support and empathy for those experiencing such events. For more information or assistance with concerns about pregnancy or potential miscarriage, reach out to us or call  (410) 784-4747.

3 Reasons to Schedule an Ultrasound Before an Abortion

When faced with an unexpected pregnancy, your decision-making process can be overwhelming and filled with conflicting emotions and uncertainties. To ensure that you make a well-informed decision, you should schedule an ultrasound before an abortion appointment. By shedding light on the location of the pregnancy, its gestational age, and its viability, an ultrasound empowers individuals to make the most suitable choice for their circumstances. 

Determining Location 

While a normal pregnancy typically develops within the uterus, an ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus and it can pose severe health risks that cannot be resolved through abortion procedures.  Scheduling an ultrasound before an abortion can help you check the location of the pregnancy. In fact, physicians cannot diagnose ectopic pregnancies except through ultrasounds.  Without understanding the location of your pregnancy, you could be at serious risk. Ultrasounds are a crucial step in ensuring you make an informed decision.  

Assessing Gestational Age

Understanding the gestational age of the pregnancy constitutes the second crucial aspect addressed through an ultrasound. This information serves as a determining factor in the type of abortion procedure required. Chemical abortions are typically viable within the first 11 weeks of pregnancy, while surgical abortions become necessary after that. Considering the differences in cost and accessibility between these procedures, determining gestational age through an ultrasound becomes pivotal in planning the most suitable approach.

Ensuring Viability 

Finally, if you schedule an ultrasound before an abortion, you will be able to make the most informed decision to assess the viability of the pregnancy.  In cases in which the pregnancy is deemed non-viable, pursuing an abortion becomes unnecessary, which would save you both time and financial resources. Thus, an ultrasound serves as a crucial tool in determining the necessity of an abortion procedure.

Schedule the ultrasound before an abortion 

At PSC, we understand the importance of these considerations and are committed to providing the necessary support for your optimal health. Schedule an ultrasound with us today to ensure you have the information needed to make the best decision for your situation. If you’d like to learn more or seek support, you can book an appointment or call (410) 784-4747 .

For further assistance in understanding your pregnancy, you can explore this pregnancy due date calculator and access more information about our FREE ultrasounds.

What is the difference between Plan B and Plan C?

Your reproductive choices are important, which is why we strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding reproductive care. Because their names sound similar, many women wonder about the difference between Plan B and Plan C. Plan B and Plan C are not the same and the FDA classifies them separately. They are used at different times and for different purposes. They are also chemically different. Ultimately, they perform different functions within your body.

If you would like further information, schedule a consultation with us. We’d love to be part of your support system, and our services are completely free and confidential.

Plan B

Plan B, also known as the “morning after pill,” Plan B is classified as an emergency contraceptive intended for use up to 72 hours after having unprotected sex or realizing your birth control method may have failed. Plan B must be used as soon as possible; the longer you wait, the less effective it will be. Plan B will not work if a person is already pregnant.[1]

Plan B is composed of a drug called Levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that “blunts the… hormone surge that occurs during the pre-ovulation stage.”[2] This means that it prevents your body from releasing an egg or limits the egg’s viability and, therefore decreases the possibility of pregnancy.

Plan C

Plan C, also known as the “abortion pill,” will end an existing pregnancy up to ten weeks in gestation. It is not FDA approved for use after ten weeks gestation. which is why determining the gestational age of the pregnancy is very important. Our clinic will offer a free ultrasound to any pregnant woman to help dating of your pregnancy.

Plan C is not legal in all states. The FDA does not recommend buying Plan C online because online stores bypass safeguards designed to protect you.[3] Plan C is a serious medication and should be provided by a medical professional.

Plan C is a drug called mifepristone, which is a “selective antagonist of progesterone,” meaning that it cuts off the supply of progesterone to the fetus. Therefore, The effects of mifepristone can be reversed by receiving prescription progesterone. If you have started a medication abortion but would like to reverse course, you can contact 1-877-558-0333 to discuss the possibility of reversal. You can also visit: https://www.abortionpillreversal.com/

Further Information

Again, if you would like further information or clarification, schedule an appointment with us. We’d love to be part of your support system. The information we provide is medically accurate and our services are completely free and confidential.

Unexpected News

One December morning while getting ready for work, my husband of only three months brought up excitedly “I think your boobs got bigger!” While his naive excitement was endearing, I quickly addressed his observation with what I thought was a well-known fact, “Jack, that doesn’t just happen.” 

The only scenario that I could think of in which my breasts would suddenly swell was pregnancy. While it was possible that I was pregnant, it was very unlikely and definitely not part of the plan for our first year of marriage. I tried to put the thought aside, but one quick look in the mirror confirmed exactly what my husband had noticed a moment earlier; my bra was fitting a little tighter than it had been just a week before. 

That day at work was a blur. My mind continued to swirl with the possibility of having a child and the drastic changes that would ensue. It wasn’t confirmed that I was carrying, but I Googled signs of pregnancy between meetings. With each article I could feel the anxiety mounting. Somewhere deep down, I knew I was pregnant. 

Naturally, I wanted an answer as soon as possible. That night, we went out and bought a pregnancy test from the local Stop & Shop grocery store. Even that small decision felt impossible. I never knew there were so many options! The isle was lined with boxes all claiming to be more accurate and diagnose sooner than leading competitors. Since my husband is cost-conscious, we just went with the cheapest one.

Initially, my test came back negative, but as the next few days went on, I felt more and more convinced that I was expecting. 

Two Pink Lines and a Million Questions

Christmas came and went, as did the date of my expected period. I looked at my husband Jack and said, “I think we need to check one more time.” I re-read all the instructions just to make sure and peed on the stick. We both sat in our tiny six by six foot bathroom and waited. A second line started to appear, bold, pink and without a doubt pregnant. We actually started laughing. It wasn’t a humorous laughter but a hysterical laughter of unbelief. 

We had planned on having kids but not for a few years. We were newlyweds living in a costly one-bedroom apartment and about to start new, highly demanding jobs that week. Having a baby was totally unexpected. 

I acknowledge that I was in one of the most supportive situations for an unplanned pregnancy, but it didn’t change the roller coaster of emotions that followed those two pink lines: 

·       Would my new supervisor feel deceived? She had been very clear about how many hours she had to work to fill the current void and how desperate she was for additional help.

·       How would maternity leave work if I just started at the company? Could we afford living on one income? 

·       Would we have to move out of our apartment? 

Without any answers to bail the flood of questions pouring over me, it was easy to feel like I was drowning. And I knew the questions would only continue to accumulate over the next nine months. 

The only thing I wanted to do was call my parents. I didn’t really feel excited. I felt scared, defeated and even irresponsible. I felt like I was letting people down—people I didn’t even know yet. 

We waited until my mom, dad and brother were on the phone and we just blurted it out. “I’m pregnant.” They couldn’t see my face. I had tears in my eyes but maybe they could hear my emotion? My mom was silent, shocked. My brother seemed excited but as usual didn’t say much. Then my dad took a second to collect his words and said “Cassie, I’m smiling ear to ear!” 

That changed everything. 

Talk to Someone Who Will Listen

The only thing that started to relieve the initial anxiety of my pregnancy was sharing with other people in my life. 

As we started to share the news with family and close friends, we felt so relieved. Even though not all questions were resolved, I quickly realized the emotional benefit of sharing.

If you need a listening ear, Pregnancy Support Center of Carroll County (PSC) offers free services to help you through the uncertainty. Confidential appointments are available with trained client advocates as well as medical staff. Any significant life change can be weighty to bear alone. Talking to PSC can help. You can make an appointment by clicking here, calling 410-871-4673, or simply walking in.

You don’t have to do this alone. PSC is here to help.

Cassie McCracken

Unexpectant Mother, Experiencing Unexpected Joy