What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

If you're thinking about taking the abortion pill, you probably want to know more than whether it's considered safe. You want to know what it could actually feel like.

  • How much will you bleed?

  • How bad are the cramps?

  • How long could the side effects last?

  • And how do you know if something isn't normal?

The abortion pill involves two medications and a process that typically happens at home. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more prepared for what comes next.

Before taking the abortion pill, you can also come to Charis for a no-cost Pre-Abortion Evaluation. You'll have an opportunity to learn more about your pregnancy with free testing and an ultrasound, ask questions, and talk privately with a nurse without pressure or judgment.

 

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The "abortion pill" isn't actually just one pill. The FDA-approved regimen uses two medications:

  • Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue.
  • Misoprostol is taken later and causes the uterus to contract and empty.

Under the FDA-approved regimen, mifepristone is used with misoprostol to end an intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks (70 days) from the first day of the last menstrual period.

 

What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

Cramping and vaginal bleeding are expected parts of a medication abortion. The amount of bleeding and intensity of cramping can vary from person to person.

According to the FDA, other common side effects can include:

  • Nausea
  • Weakness
  • Fever or chills
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Diarrhea
  • Dizziness

Bleeding may be heavier than your normal period, and you may pass blood clots and tissue.

Your experience can depend on your pregnancy and how your body responds to the medications. That's one reason getting personalized information with an ultrasound and time with a nurse beforehand can be helpful.

 

How Much Bleeding Is Normal?

Bleeding and cramping are expected during a medication abortion, but there is a point when bleeding may require medical attention.

The FDA advises contacting a healthcare provider right away if you soak through two thick, full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours or if you're concerned about how much you're bleeding.

Knowing what to expect and having a plan for where to seek medical care if you become concerned can help you prepare before taking the medications.

 

When Should I Seek Medical Care?

Serious complications are uncommon, but they can happen.

According to the FDA, you should seek emergency care if you experience:

  • Heavy bleeding that soaks through two thick, full-size pads per hour for two consecutive hours
  • A fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts more than four hours
  • Abdominal pain or feeling sick more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol, including weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, with or without a fever

 

Can the Abortion Pill Fail?

It is possible for a medication abortion to be incomplete or for the pregnancy to continue.

If the pregnancy continues or pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, additional medical care may be needed. Depending on the situation, this can include additional medication or a procedure.

But there's something else that's important to know beforehand. The abortion pill doesn't treat an ectopic pregnancy, which happens when a pregnancy develops outside the uterus and can become dangerous.

An ultrasound can help confirm where your pregnancy is developing before you take the abortion pill.

It's one more reason getting answers about your pregnancy beforehand matters.

 

 

What About Emotional Side Effects of the abortion pill?

Emotional experiences surrounding abortion can vary just as much as physical experiences.

Some women may feel relief. Others may experience sadness, grief, anxiety, regret, or a combination of emotions. Your feelings can also change over time.

There isn't a "right" way you're supposed to feel.

If you're still deciding what to do, it can help to have a private place to talk honestly about what you're thinking and feeling before taking the pill. You don't have to pretend you're certain when you're not.

Charis offers a confidential space to ask questions and explore your options without pressure or judgment. The Pre-Abortion Evaluation is designed to support women before abortion with no-cost services. 

 

 

Why is Pre-Abortion Care important?

If you're planning or considering an abortion, you can come to Charis before your abortion appointment for no-cost, confidential care.

Your appointment gives you an opportunity to:

  • Confirm your pregnancy with a free ultrasound
  • Talk privately with a nurse
  • Review your health history
  • Learn what may apply to your pregnancy
  • Ask questions about abortion, side effects, and what to expect

Most importantly, this appointment is about giving you a place to feel heard and get answers.

Schedule a Pre-Abortion Evaluation

Or text a nurse at (385) 483-3227 to ask questions privately.