First Trimester Abortions
The Morning After Pill
What is it?
The morning after pill is a large dose of oral contraceptive known as Plan B. The pill is actually two tablets, one taken within 72 hours of intercourse and the second 12 hours later. It is not the same as RU-486.
How does it work?
Plan B is believed to act as an emergency contraceptive principally by preventing ovulation or fertilization. In addition, it may inhibit implantation. It is not effective once the process of implantation has begun.
Things to consider
- Emergency contraception is not effective if a woman is already pregnant.
- Plan B does not protect against HIV infection (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
- The most common side effects in the Plan B clinical trial were nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue, headache and menstrual changes.
- The manufacturer warns that Plan B is not recommended for routine use as a contraceptive.