Do I Need a “Missed Period Pill”? – Answers to all your questions about the abortion pill

Do I Need a “Missed Period Pill”?

Is your period late?

Are you a bit worried about being pregnant but not thinking too much about it? But then you see an advertisement for a “missed period pill.” What is it, and do you need one? Here’s some info to help you tell the difference between the morning after pill, the abortion pill, and names commonly given to each one.

First, if your period is late, don’t stress. There can be lots of reasons for a late period (stress, illness, emergency contraception, changes in medication, and so much more.) If you need help figuring out whether you are pregnant, contact us or stop by today so you can decide what next steps are right for you. All our services are free and confidential.

What Is The “Missed Period Pill”?

The “missed period pill” is actually the same as the abortion pill – it’s just another name for it. Sometimes it’s referred to as a chemical abortion. It might sound appealing to take a medication to get your period started, but the abortion pill works in a different way. It ends a pregnancy by blocking your body’s progesterone and by inducing labor. So while it can look and seem like you are finally having a period, it is an entirely different process and can be much more intense. Its purpose is to cause your body to reject and miscarry (abort) the pregnancy.

“Self managed abortion” is a serious decision to make, so be sure to check out all your options to ensure it is the right path for you. And although the pill is sometimes marketed as a “missed period pill,” it should never be taken without confirmation of pregnancy because of its risks. This includes a pregnancy test and an ultrasound. It’s vital that you have all the medical information you need to make a decision. This info includes the location of the pregnancy (is it in a tube or in the uterus), viability, and gestational age of the pregnancy.

Ordering abortion pills by mail can be dangerous, as you will have no medical supervision and there is no guarantee of the quality of medication you may receive.

The Morning After Pill

There are also pills known as the morning after pill. These pills are designed to be taken shortly after having intercourse. It works by preventing or delaying ovulation to decrease the chances that you might become pregnant. It can also prevent the implantation of an already conceived pregnancy. This medication should not be taken if you are already far along enough in your cycle to miss your period. In fact, this medication is often the cause of a late period. So, if your period is late and you know you’ve taken this medication, your period may just be delayed. This medication is also not recommended for routine use. Some of the side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, menstrual changes, dizziness, breast, tenderness, vomiting.

Now What?

So, your period is late and you’re still not sure how to move forward? First, take a deep breath and relax. You have time to decide what to do next. Don’t do anything until you’ve taken time to gather facts on your options. You can schedule a free appointment at the Pregnancy Care Clinic to determine whether you are indeed pregnant. Then, you can further discuss your options with us and start on a plan. As always, we are here to help. If you have any more questions or just need to chat, contact us anytime.