What Should I Expect after Taking the Abortion Pill? • Assured Women's Healthcare

Key Takeaways

The abortion pill typically involves mifepristone followed by misoprostol, which causes uterine contractions, cramping, bleeding, and the passage of pregnancy tissue.
Bleeding and cramping are expected after taking the abortion pill; bleeding lasts an average of 9–16 days, though some women experience it for longer.
Seek immediate medical care for warning signs such as dangerously heavy bleeding, a persistent fever, or prolonged abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness.
The abortion pill can fail or result in an incomplete abortion, so follow-up with a healthcare provider 1–2 weeks afterward is important.
An ultrasound before taking the abortion pill can determine gestational age and pregnancy location, including identifying a possible ectopic pregnancy.

It’s important to know what to expect after taking the abortion pill. While some people advertise it as safe and easy, a medication abortion is still a medical procedure that comes with risks and potentially serious side effects.

If you are considering the abortion pill, or you’ve already taken it, you may have questions, such as:

How much bleeding is normal?
What should I do if something seems wrong?
Will I see the embryo?

Everyone’s experience is different, but this blog will explain everything you need to know about taking the abortion pill.

What happens after you take the abortion pill?

The abortion pill is usually a two-medication regimen. The first medication is called mifepristone, and the second is misoprostol.

What happens after taking mifepristone?

Mifepristone blocks a pregnancy hormone called progesterone. Without this hormone, the embryo will die and the pregnancy will end. You may experience vaginal bleeding and other side effects after taking this pill.

What happens after taking misoprostol?

The most noticeable medication abortion side effects occur after taking misoprostol, which is used 24–48 hours after taking mifepristone. This medication causes your uterus to contract and push out the pregnancy tissue. After taking misoprostol, you will experience more cramping and heavier bleeding.

How long do you bleed after the abortion pill?

The FDA reports that bleeding lasts for 9–16 days on average. Up to 8% of women who take mifepristone bleed for more than 30 days.

You will also pass blood clots and pregnancy tissue. Depending on how far along you are, you may pass a recognizable embryo. If you need someone to talk to after this experience, you can call OptionLine at 800-712-4357.

Additionally, the amount of abortion pill bleeding varies. Some women experience bleeding that is similar to a very heavy period, while others lose an amount of blood that can be alarming and dangerous.

You should seek immediate care if you:

Pass clots that are larger than a lemon
Soak through two full-sized sanitary pads in an hour for two hours in a row

Heavy bleeding after taking the abortion pill may require blood transfusions and/or surgical treatment.

What other side effects can happen after taking the abortion pill?

Abortion pill cramping and bleeding aren’t the only things to prepare for. Below, we explain abortion pill side effects and when to seek medical attention after taking the abortion pill.

You may experience:

Cramping
Dizziness
Chills
Headaches
Vaginal bleeding
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

What are the warning signs after taking the abortion pill?

Some abortion pill complications are serious and may even be life-threatening. You should always seek emergency care if you experience abortion pill warning signs such as:

Dangerously heavy bleeding, as outlined above
A 100.4°F or higher fever that lasts more than four hours
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or weakness that lasts longer than 24 hours after taking misoprostol

Before taking the abortion pill, you must have an ultrasound to rule out an ectopic pregnancy, a condition in which the pregnancy is located outside of your uterus. Left untreated, this condition can lead to internal bleeding and/or a serious infection.

To rule out an ectopic pregnancy and make sure you are not too far along to take the abortion pill, make an appointment for a free ultrasound at our clinic.

How do I know the abortion pill worked?

Passing the embryo is the most obvious sign that the abortion pill worked. In the weeks after the abortion, symptoms should lessen and a pregnancy test should show a fainter or negative result.

That said, the abortion pill can fail. In some cases, an incomplete medication abortion means that the pregnancy continues. Sometimes, however, it means that the abortion pill ended the pregnancy, but some of the tissue is still within your uterus. In this case, you will need immediate care to prevent hemorrhaging and infection.

To ensure the abortion pill worked, you should see a healthcare provider 1–2 two weeks after your abortion.

Should I take the abortion pill?

Only you can answer this question. If you are considering a medication abortion, we invite you to visit our clinic to confirm your pregnancy and get an ultrasound—all at no cost to you.

Your appointment will equip you to make an informed, confident decision by revealing:

How far along you are
If the pregnancy is located within your uterus
If your pregnancy is viable
Which options and resources are available to you

You deserve to feel good about your decision. Get confidential support and answers to all your questions at Assured Women’s Healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Abortion Pill

How soon do you start bleeding after taking the abortion pill?

Some women begin bleeding after taking mifepristone, the first pill. You will likely experience the heaviest bleeding after taking misoprostol, the second medication. If you don’t bleed after taking the abortion pill, you should see a healthcare provider to check for complications and an ongoing pregnancy.

How long does bleeding last after the abortion pill?

According to the FDA, abortion pill bleeding lasts for 9–16 days on average. Up to 8% of women who take mifepristone bleed for more than 30 days.

Is it normal to pass blood clots after taking the abortion pill?

Yes, it is normal and typical to pass blood clots after taking the abortion pill. You may also see pregnancy tissue and/or the embryo in the blood you pass. If you pass blood clots larger than a lemon, you should go to the emergency room.

How do you know if the abortion pill didn't work?

Signs that the abortion pill didn’t work may include little-to-no bleeding, positive pregnancy tests two or more weeks after the abortion, or continued pregnancy symptoms.

When should you go to the ER after taking the abortion pill?

You should go to the ER if you experience dangerously heavy bleeding (hemorrhage), a high fever, signs of an ectopic pregnancy, or ongoing nausea, weakness, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you are concerned, reach out to the doctor who prescribed the medication for guidance and answers. If you can’t reach your doctor or are worried about your health, go to the ER or call 911 immediately. Your health is not worth the risk.

Can I change my mind after taking the abortion pill?

Yes, you can change your mind after taking the first medication in the abortion pill regimen, mifepristone. Abortion pill reversal stops medication abortions up to 68% of the time and is most effective when started ASAP. If you regret or have second thoughts about taking mifepristone, contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline at 877-558-0333.