Is the Missed Period Pill a Good Option For Me?
The name makes it sound pretty simple: Take a pill. Get your period. Move on.
But the "missed period pill" isn't actually a medication designed to restart a late period. It's a term sometimes used to describe the abortion pill.
If you're looking into the missed period pill because you want a quick solution, there's something worth knowing first:
A few simple steps can give you a much clearer picture of what's actually happening in your body.
At LifeBridge, you can get free pregnancy testing and, when appropriate, a fast, no-cost ultrasound referral. You'll also have private, unrushed time to ask questions and understand what may come next.
What Is the Missed Period Pill?
The "missed period pill" generally refers to the same medications used for a medication abortion: mifepristone and misoprostol.
Despite the name, these medications aren't designed simply to start a late period. They're used to end an established pregnancy.
That's an important difference, especially if you haven't confirmed whether you're pregnant yet.
Before taking the missed period pill, it can be helpful to know:
- Am I actually pregnant?
- How far along am I?
- Where is the pregnancy developing?
Those answers can give you a much clearer picture of your health and what options may apply to your pregnancy.
Do I Need a Pregnancy Test First?
Yes. A missed period doesn't always mean you're pregnant.
Stress, illness, hormonal changes, travel, changes in exercise or weight, and other factors can all affect your cycle.
A pregnancy test is the first step in figuring out what's actually happening.
LifeBridge offers free lab-quality pregnancy testing, so you don't have to keep wondering or rely only on symptoms.
Is a Positive Test Enough?
A positive pregnancy test tells you pregnancy hormone was detected. But it can't tell you everything about your pregnancy.
It can't tell you:
- How far along you are
- Where the pregnancy is developing
- Whether additional medical evaluation may be needed
That's where an ultrasound can provide information a pregnancy test can't.
If an ultrasound is recommended, LifeBridge can quickly coordinate a no-cost referral with a trusted local provider on your behalf. Ultrasounds are often available the same week.
Why Does an Ultrasound Matter?
If you're considering the missed period pill or abortion pill, an ultrasound can provide important information about:
- How far along you are
- Where the pregnancy is located
- What may apply to your pregnancy
Pregnancy location is especially important because an ectopic pregnancy develops outside the uterus and cannot be treated with the abortion pill.
In South Carolina, an obstetric ultrasound is also required before legally receiving an abortion. How far along you are can affect what abortion options are legally available.
Knowing first can help you move forward with a clearer picture.
Does the Missed Period Pill Work?
Medication abortion is highly effective when used as directed during early pregnancy, but it isn't 100% effective.
In some cases:
- The pregnancy may continue
- Pregnancy tissue may remain in the uterus
- Additional medication or a procedure may be needed
Follow-up care is important to determine whether the abortion is complete and whether additional care is needed.
Is the Missed Period Pill Safe?
Like any medication, the missed period pill can come with side effects and risks.
Cramping and bleeding are expected parts of the process because misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty.
Other side effects can include:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fever or chills
- Weakness
- Dizziness
Complications can also occur, including heavy bleeding, infection, or an incomplete abortion that requires additional medical care.
Your pregnancy is unique. Knowing more about it beforehand can help you better understand what may be ahead.
What If I'm not pregnant?
If you're not pregnant, taking abortion medication won't tell you why your period is late.
You'll still be left with the original question: What's actually going on with my body?
That's why confirming pregnancy first makes sense. It's a simple step that can prevent you from acting on an assumption.
What If I Am Pregnant?
A positive pregnancy test can bring up a lot of questions quickly.
You don't have to have your next step figured out before getting answers.
LifeBridge can help you better understand your pregnancy, what options may apply, and what you might expect next.
And getting that information doesn't commit you to a decision.
Before Taking the Missed Period Pill
When you're worried about an unexpected pregnancy, wanting a fast solution makes sense.
But taking a little time to get answers doesn't have to slow you down.
At LifeBridge, your free appointment can include:
- Free lab-quality pregnancy testing
- A fast, no-cost ultrasound referral when appropriate
- Private, unrushed time to ask questions
- Personalized information about your pregnancy and options
- Connections to additional free community resources
Or prefer to text first? Talk with our nurses at (803) 990-3323. Same-day appointments are sometimes available.
Sources
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ectopic Pregnancy.
- U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Mifepristone (Mifeprex) Information.