What to Expect at Your Abortion Pill Appointment

When you arrive at The Center for Women, a staff member checks you in and gives you a short medical history form. The form covers your health background, any medicines you take, and your last menstrual period.

The clinic is at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101 in Westchester, IL, and it is a private, professional medical office. You are welcome to bring a support person, though they will wait in the reception area during the medical parts of your visit.

An ultrasound comes at the start of your visit to confirm your pregnancy and show how far along you are. This matters because the abortion pill can be used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, and the ultrasound gives an accurate measure of that timing.

The ultrasound is quick and is done right in the clinic. Depending on how early the pregnancy is, it may be done on your belly (abdominal) or with a small, narrow wand placed in the vagina (transvaginal), and the doctor will tell you which type you need. The ultrasound also confirms that the pregnancy is in the uterus. In rare cases a pregnancy grows outside the uterus, called an ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening problem that the abortion pill cannot treat and that needs emergency care.

The ultrasound is included in your $380 visit cost.

You will meet one-on-one with a licensed doctor. The doctor reviews your ultrasound results, goes over your medical history, and makes sure the abortion pill is safe and right for you.

The doctor explains the two-pill process, what to expect when you take the medicines at home, and which symptoms are normal. You will get clear written instructions to take home, and this is also your time to ask any questions about the process, side effects, or aftercare.

The visit is private and confidential. The doctor is there to give you information and care, and you do not need to explain your reasons for your decision.

You take the first pill, mifepristone, at the clinic before you leave. The doctor gives you the pill and you swallow it with water. Mifepristone blocks the hormone progesterone, which stops the pregnancy from growing.

Most patients feel normal after taking mifepristone, so you can drive yourself home and go about the rest of your day. Some patients have light nausea or spotting, but strong symptoms after the first pill are uncommon.

You take the second medicine, misoprostol, at home 24 to 48 hours after taking mifepristone. The clinic sends you home with the misoprostol pills and detailed written instructions.

When it is time, place the four misoprostol tablets between your gums and cheeks and let them dissolve for 30 minutes, then swallow any remaining pieces with water. Within 1 to 4 hours you will start to have cramping and bleeding as your body passes the pregnancy.

Before taking misoprostol, it helps to set up your space. Have ibuprofen (600 to 800 mg), a heating pad, thick pads (not tampons), and comfortable clothes ready, and plan to rest for the rest of the day. Keep your phone nearby in case you want to call the clinic with any questions.

When to go to the emergency room: Go to your nearest emergency room right away if you have any of these:

• Severe bleeding that soaks through 2 or more pads per hour for 2 or more hours
• Severe pain that ibuprofen does not relieve
• A fever above 100.4°F that lasts more than 24 hours
• Signs of an ectopic pregnancy, such as sharp pain on one side of your belly, shoulder pain, or dizziness

You can tell the ER staff you are having a miscarriage, because the treatment is the same.

You do not need to bring much to your appointment. Here is a short list:

• Photo ID: A valid government-issued ID.
• Payment: $380 in cash (for the cash discount) or a credit/debit card.
• Comfortable clothing: Wear something comfortable and easy to change if needed.
• Your questions: Write down any questions you have for the doctor so you remember to ask them.

You do not need a referral from another doctor, and you do not need to bring anyone with you, though a support person is always welcome.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available. When you call, the staff will confirm the $380 cost, answer your first questions, and find a time that works for you.

The clinic is at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154, and most patients are in and out in about 30 minutes for the first visit.