What Should I Expect When Taking the Abortion Pill?

If you are considering the abortion pill, you likely have questions about what the experience will actually involve. Asking questions is a great first step toward protecting your health and thinking about the future. The physical symptoms of the abortion pill can be intense, and the process typically involves more than a single pill. Knowing what to expect can help you make a more informed decision.

At Alpha Pregnancy Care Center, we offer free pregnancy testing and a limited ultrasound to help you understand your pregnancy before making any decisions. Schedule your free appointment today.

How the Abortion Pill Works

The abortion pill is a two-drug regimen. 

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks progesterone and stops the pregnancy from developing in the uterus. 

The second drug, misoprostol, is taken 24 to 48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. 

It’s important to know that the FDA approves this regimen only through the first ten weeks of pregnancy. Using it beyond that window raises the risk of complications, including an incomplete abortion.

What You Will Experience

After taking mifepristone, some women notice a few immediate symptoms, including light spotting or mild nausea. 

The more intense physical effects begin after misoprostol.

Every woman who takes the abortion pill will experience cramping and vaginal bleeding, as this is how the body expels the pregnancy. 

Other common symptoms include:

• Heavy cramping, often more intense than a typical menstrual period
• Heavy vaginal bleeding and passing of clots or tissue
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Chills, low-grade fever, or headache

Symptoms typically peak within a few hours of taking misoprostol and subside within 24 hours, though lighter bleeding may continue for several weeks.

Warning Signs to Watch For

There are also serious risks you need to be aware of.  

Seek care right away if you are soaking through more than 2 thick pads per hour for 2 or more consecutive hours, or have severe pain that does not improve. A fever lasting longer than 24 hours or foul-smelling vaginal discharge can also be signs of an infection. 

An incomplete abortion is a known risk of this process and may require follow-up surgical care. 

Having a plan for follow-up care before you begin is an important step in protecting your health.

Why an Ultrasound Matters First

Using an ultrasound scan, a healthcare provider can confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy, helping you know what options are available to you.  

An ultrasound can also rule out an ectopic pregnancy, a condition where the pregnancy implants outside the uterus. An ectopic pregnancy is a medical emergency that the abortion pill cannot treat. 

Skipping this step before taking the abortion pill could put your health at serious risk.

We Are Here to Help

Alpha Pregnancy Care Center provides free, lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited ultrasound in a safe, confidential environment. 

Our trained staff will walk you through your results, answer your questions, and make sure you have the information you need before taking any next steps.

Contact us today to schedule your free and confidential appointment.