Do You Need a “Missed Period Pill?” – Your Guide to the Abortion Pill and the Morning After Pill

Your period is late. You’re a little worried about being pregnant but aren’t thinking too much about it. But soon enough, you see an advertisement for a “missed period pill.” What is it, and do you need one? Use this handy guide to tell the difference between the morning after pill, the abortion pill, and names commonly given to each one.

The Late Period:

First, if your period is late, don’t stress. There can be many 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, make an appointment for a free pregnancy test so you can decide what next steps are right for you.

“Missed Period Pills” – mifepristone and misoprostol

(Also Known as the Abortion Pill, Chemical Abortion, or Medical Abortion)

The “missed period pill” is actually just the abortion pill, but with another name. It sounds 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 your period, it is actually an entirely different process, and can be much more intense.

Because taking an abortion pill is a serious decision to make, 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 so you can have all the medical information you need to make a decision. This info includes the location, viability, and gestational age of the pregnancy.

If you have more questions about the abortion pill or need help discussing your next steps, contact us.

The Morning After Pill – levonorgestrel 

(Also Known as Plan B, Ella, or Emergency Contraception)

The morning after pill is designed to be taken shorty after having intercourse. The pill works by preventing or delaying ovulation to decrease the chances you 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.

Side effects include nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache, menstrual changes, dizziness, breast, tenderness, vomiting.

Next Steps

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. You can schedule a free appointment at the Front Royal Pregnancy to discover whether you are pregnant. Then, you can further discuss your options and make a plan for the future.

As always, we are here to help. If you have any more questions or just need to chat, call us today.