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Before we talk about side effects, let’s first go over what a medical abortion is. While you likely know that it’s the process of ending a pregnancy, many don’t understand what happens during a medical abortion. The Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic is not an abortion provider and does not prescribe the abortion pill. We’re here to help you understand the procedure and all of your pregnancy options. Medical abortions utilize two drugs in the form of pills to end a pregnancy within the first 70 days of gestation. 1 The first drug, Mifepristone, stops the production of progesterone, a naturally produced hormone that the body makes to help the pregnancy grow.2 This pill is typically taken at a doctor’s office or clinic. The second step utilizes the drug Misoprostol, which induces labor and expels the fetus. While the process is started at a doctor’s office, it is completed at home. 3 WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF ABORTION? When considering any medical procedure, it’s important to do some research on the potential side effects and risks you might experience. The same can be said about abortion. Whether you’re looking into abortion as an option for your pregnancy, researching for a friend, or having a confirmed appointment for an abortion, gaining knowledge about the procedure is an important step in making an informed decision. Common side effects of a medical abortion include severe cramping/abdominal pain, bleeding, nausea, weakness, fever and chills, vomiting, headaches, diarrhea, and dizziness. 4 Along with these minor side effects, more serious complications are possible. Here are the top five you should know about: MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES Although there has not been enough data on the long-term effects of a medical abortion, women who saw the expelled fetus were most susceptible to psychological distress including nightmares, flashbacks, and unwanted thoughts related to the procedure. 5 LIFE-THREATENING COMPLICATIONS Incomplete abortions occur when the abortion is not successful in expelling all of the pregnancy tissue from the uterus. 1 When left untreated, it can result in infection or hemorrhaging. In fact, medication abortions have a higher risk of incomplete abortion or hemorrhaging than surgical abortions. 6 If a woman thinks she may be experiencing an incomplete abortion, a doctor must be contacted immediately. INFECTION According to the FDA some women have died because of an overwhelming bodily infection (sepsis) after using the abortion pill. 7 UNDIAGNOSED ECTOPIC PREGNANCY The abortion pill will not end an ectopic pregnancy (when the embryo attaches outside the uterus, usually in a fallopian tube). If not detected early enough, there is a risk of a tube bursting, internal hemorrhage and sometimes death. 8 I’M PREGNANT — WHAT DO I DO? Are you experiencing an unplanned pregnancy? You’re not alone. In fact, many women experience unintended pregnancies each year. While it’s normal to feel worried or scared, remember that you have options. Here at Open Arms, we’re passionate about guiding women through unplanned pregnancies by providing clinical pregnancy testing, an ultrasound to confirm pregnancy, resources, options education, and much more. Contact us today. 1 American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists. (2020). Medication abortion up to 70 days of gestation. Obstetrics & Gynecology, 136(4), 855-858. Doi 10.1097/aog.0000000000004083 2 Food & Drug Administration. (2023, January). Mifepristone medication guide. Retrieved June 28, 2023, from https://www.fda.gov/media/164654/download 3 Physician’s Desk Reference (2019). Cytotec | Drug Summary | PDR.net. Retrieved from https://www.pdr.net/drug-summary/?drugLabelId=1044 4.1 Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (2023, Jan 4). Questions and Answers on Mifeprex. Retrieved from http://wwww.fda.gov/drugs/post-market-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex 4.2 Food and Drug Administration. MEDICATION GUIDE Mifeprex (MIF-Eh-Prex) (Mifepristone) Tablets, for Oral Use. Mar. 2016. https://www.fda.gov/media/72923/download#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20side%20effects,pain%20or%20other%20side%20effects 5 Slade,P., Heke, S., Fletcher, J., & Stewart, P. (1998). A comparison of medical and surgical termination of pregnancy: choice, emotional impact and satisfaction with care. Bjog-an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 105(12), 1288-95. doi:10.1093/humupd/dmp009 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9883920/ 6 Niinimäki M, Pouta A, Bloigu A, Gissler M, Hemminki E, Suhonen S, Heikinheimo O. Immediate complications after medical compared to surgical termination of pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Oct;114(4):795-804.doi:10.1097/AOG.0b013e3181b5ccf9. PMID:19888037 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19888037/ 7 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2018, December 21). Mifepristone U.S. Postmarketing Adverse Events Summary. Retrieved from https://fda.gov/media/112118/download 8 U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Post market Drug Safety Information for Patients and Providers (2023, Jan 4). Mifeprex ™ questions and answers: retrieved from website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation

Thriving as a single parent demands both resilience and resourcefulness in facing daily challenges. It involves crafting a lifestyle that balances the demands of parenting solo while fostering personal and familial growth. This journey, though filled with hurdles, also offers immense opportunities for personal empowerment and shaping a nurturing home environment. Embracing these challenges can transform them into stepping stones for success and satisfaction in both parenting and personal achievements. Imperfection with Grace Perfection is an unattainable standard, particularly when juggling the challenges of single parenting. Recognizing that it’s impossible to excel in every aspect of life is vital for your mental health. Instead of striving for perfection, aim to do your best and accept that mistakes are part of the journey. This approach not only alleviates stress but also teaches your children the value of resilience and the importance of effort over flawlessness. Stay Organized with Effective Tools When managing the myriad responsibilities of single parenting, organization is key. Employing tools such as planners, apps, and lists can help streamline your daily tasks, appointments, and important deadlines. These organizational aids provide a snapshot of your obligations, helping you stay on top of your schedule. Implementing a systematic approach to time management ensures nothing is overlooked and boosts your confidence each day. Staying organized also offers the tranquility of knowing everything is under control, easing the stress of single parenthood. Enhance Your Earning Potential with an Online Degree Boosting your earning potential as a single parent is more accessible than ever with the option of pursuing an online degree. For instance, if you're a nurse, advancing your career and enhancing patient care is achievable by earning an online RN to BSN degree. Online programs provide the flexibility to study on your schedule, enabling you to balance both your parenting responsibilities and work commitments seamlessly. This deserves a look, especially for those aiming to climb the career ladder without compromising family time. Empower Your Children with Responsibilities Teaching your children to handle age-appropriate responsibilities can ease your workload and foster their personal development. Assigning simple chores like making beds, setting the table, or sorting laundry teaches them teamwork and the importance of contributing to family life. As they mature, increasing their chores can enhance their confidence and independence. This gradual escalation not only builds accountability but also cultivates essential life skills. Create a Stable Environment with Consistent Routines Children benefit greatly from the stability and security that consistent routines provide. Establishing structured schedules for meals, homework, playtime, and bedtime helps them understand expectations and boundaries, leading to fewer behavioral issues. For you, a predictable routine minimizes surprises and aids in managing your time more effectively. Maintaining this regularity provides a solid framework for your family's daily activities, although flexibility remains important. Prioritize What Truly Matters It's crucial to focus on what truly matters—activities that align with your core values and enhance your family’s well-being. Letting go of less critical tasks frees up time and energy for your children, health, and happiness. This focused approach helps reduce stress and ensures you spend your time on what is most meaningful. By concentrating on these priorities, you lead a more intentional and satisfying life. Manage Your Finances Wisely Achieving financial stability is crucial for single parents, necessitating prudent financial management. Start by establishing a budget to monitor your income and expenditures, and identifying opportunities to economize. Prioritize building an emergency fund to cushion against unforeseen costs and consider long-term savings goals like your children’s education or your retirement. Proactive financial planning reduces stress and secures a stable economic future for your family. Being a single parent presents unique challenges, but it's also an opportunity for growth and strength. By focusing on what matters most and finding balance in everyday life, it’s possible to create a fulfilling and supportive environment. Embracing the journey with patience and self-compassion can make a significant difference, allowing for a positive and rewarding experience as both a parent and an individual. Discover peace of mind at Open Arms Pregnancy Clinic with our free pregnancy confirmation and limited ultrasound services in a supportive and confidential setting.