---
title: How Late in Pregnancy Can You Take the Abortion Pill?
description: Thinking about the abortion pill? Find out why timing matters, what risks to know, and where to get a free ultrasound.
image: https://scwomenshealthnetwork.com/hubfs/How%20far%20along%20can%20I%20take%20the%20abortion%20pill.png
---

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# How Late in Pregnancy Can You Take the Abortion Pill?

[Abortion](https://scwomenshealthnetwork.com/en/blog/tag/abortion)

![How Late in Pregnancy Can You Take the Abortion Pill?](https://scwomenshealthnetwork.com/hubfs/How%20far%20along%20can%20I%20take%20the%20abortion%20pill.png)

You may have heard that the abortion pill is an option in the early weeks of pregnancy, but what does “early” actually mean? The abortion pill is only **FDA-approved up to 10 weeks (70 days)**. After that point, taking it can increase your risk of complications and may not work at all.

That’s why knowing exactly how far along you are matters before you make any decision.

### How Can I Find Out How Far Along I Am?

Period tracking apps can give you a rough guess, but they’re not reliable for confirming pregnancy dates. Cycles vary, and apps can’t account for miscarriages or complications.

The only way to know for sure is with an **ultrasound**. A simple scan gives you accurate measurements of your pregnancy, confirms whether it’s developing in the right place, and rules out miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (which can be life-threatening if missed).

Most of [our network of pregnancy centers across South Carolina](https://scwomenshealthnetwork.com/find-local-care) offers free ultrasounds.

#### What Happens If I Take the Abortion Pill Past 10 Weeks?

Taking the abortion pill beyond 10 weeks can increase the chance of serious risks, like:

- Incomplete abortion (when pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus)
- Ongoing pregnancy if the pills don’t work
- Heavy or prolonged bleeding
- Infection or fever
- Painful digestive side effects

These risks are why getting an ultrasound first isn’t just recommended, it’s an important step to protect your health.

 

## Where Can I Get a Free Ultrasound?

You can **text with one of our nurses anytime to make an appointment for a free ultrasound at a local center** to you, or use our [Care Locator Tool](https://scwomenshealthnetwork.com/find-local-care) to search by zip code and explore services near you.

> Text with our nurses for free and confidential support anytime at**[(330) 632-3555](sms:%20+13306323555).**

 

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