Does the Abortion Pill Cause a Miscarriage?

What is the difference between a medical abortion and a miscarriage? Sometimes abortion pills are called “miscarriage pills,” but does a medical abortion cause a miscarriage?

Medical abortion - an elective procedure where a pregnancy is terminated before the 10th week of pregnancy using a regimen of drugs known as the abortion pill. 

Miscarriage - a spontaneous loss of pregnancy before the 20th week of pregnancy that is not caused by anything a woman does or does not do.

By this definition, the abortion pill will cause a medical abortion, not a miscarriage, because a miscarriage by nature is spontaneous and not induced. 

If you are considering taking the abortion pill, confirm your pregnancy and how far along your pregnancy has progressed with a free onsite pregnancy test appointment and, if needed, an ultrasound to confirm viability.

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Similarities Between Medical Abortion and Miscarriage

Medical abortions are often compared to miscarriages because both events end in the termination of a pregnancy and share similar symptoms, side effects, and risks. Both involve:

• cramping and pain in the lower abdomen

• discharge of fluid and bleeding

• discharge of tissue

• no longer experiencing pregnancy symptoms, including morning sickness or breast tenderness

• require medical oversight to eliminate the risk of infection

Though there are shared symptoms and side effects between a miscarriage and a medical abortion, it is important to understand these are not one and the same.

Next steps

1. Find out exactly how far along you are with a free ultrasound.

2. Speak with a medical professional about your pregnancy options based on the ultrasound findings and your health history.

How the Abortion Pill Works

The abortion pill is a regimen of drugs used to induce a medical abortion. These drugs first stop the production of progesterone, a pregnancy hormone necessary to sustain a healthy pregnancy, and then cause contractions to expel the pregnancy out of the uterus. If you are considering the abortion pill, we offer free consultations and information on the abortion pill and pregnancy options so you can make an informed decision. While we do not provide or refer for the abortion pill or abortion services, we offer free pregnancy testing and ultrasound services, so you have the information you need to make an empowered decision.

Considering the Abortion Pill? If you are considering taking the abortion pill, there is some information you need first:

• You should know how many weeks your pregnancy has progressed. An ultrasound can determine exactly how far along you are. This information will determine if the abortion pill is an option that applies to your situation.

• The location of your pregnancy should be determined by an obstetric ultrasound. If the pregnancy is developing outside of the uterus (called an ectopic or tubal pregnancy), a surgical procedure may be required, and taking an abortion pill will not end the pregnancy.

• Additional medical conditions could make you ineligible to take the abortion pill. A licensed medical professional should review your health history with you for your own safety.

We can help you gather this information through free pregnancy testing and ultrasound confirmation services before you decide. No insurance is required. Make an appointment today.

References:

Miscarriage - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. (2023, September 8). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pregnancy-loss-miscarriage/symptoms-causes/syc-20354298&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1713191022855547&usg=AOvVaw2a3HcgOPEQuwhry4E7PufB

At Home Abortion Facts. (2024, January 18). Abortion Facts and available options | At-Home Abortion Facts. https://athomeabortionfacts.com/