If you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you may be looking at all of your options. One of those choices early in a pregnancy is a medical abortion. Despite using two drugs, this method is also known as the “abortion pill.”
Medical Abortion
A medical abortion is a procedure that uses two drugs to end a pregnancy. First, mifepristone is taken to block the hormone progesterone. About 24-48 hours later, misoprostol is used to trigger contractions and expel the embryo or fetus and pregnancy tissue through the vagina.
Medical abortion is FDA-approved through the first 10 weeks of gestation (the length of time you’ve been pregnant.)
What Are the Side Effects?
The most common side effects you would experience during a medical abortion are abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding. These side effects start after taking misoprostol. Additional side effects may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
You’ll have to watch out for signs that indicate a complication, such as:
- Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours
- Severe abdominal or back pain
- Fever lasting more than 24 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
What Are The Risks?
Medical abortion, like any other medical procedure, is a serious choice that comes with certain risks. Those include:
- Incomplete abortion
- An ongoing pregnancy if the procedure doesn’t work
- Heavy and prolonged bleeding
- Infection
- Fever
- Digestive system discomfort
Because of the risks and side effects, you’ll want to ensure good follow-up care is scheduled after the procedure.
Safeguard Your Health
We’ve only gone through some of the common side effects and risks associated with medical abortion. There’s more to know before you consider this procedure, including if you are eligible in the first place for the abortion pill.
You can protect your health by talking with us at Hope House Women’s Clinic.
We can offer you free pregnancy testing to confirm your pregnancy, and if you qualify with a positive result, an ultrasound to give you key details about what you’ll need to know.
All appointments are free and confidential. Contact us today to get started.
A medical abortion, commonly known as the “abortion pill,” is a way to end an early pregnancy using medication rather than a surgical procedure. It involves a specific regimen of two different prescription drugs, typically taken over a 24 to 48-hour period, to mimic the process of an early miscarriage.
Non-Invasive
No surgery or anesthesia is required. The process happens primarily at home.
Early Timeline
FDA-approved for use up to 10 weeks (70 days) after the first day of the last period.
Medical Supervision
Should be overseen by a medical professional to ensure eligibility and rule out ectopic pregnancies.
How the Process Works
A standard medical abortion utilizes two distinct medications taken in sequence.
Mifepristone
The first pill, Mifepristone, is taken at a clinic or at home. Its primary function is to block the hormone progesterone, which is essential for a pregnancy to grow. By blocking this hormone, Mifepristone stops the pregnancy from developing further and alters the lining of the uterus. Some may experience mild nausea or light bleeding after this step.
Misoprostol
Taken 24 to 48 hours after the first pill, usually dissolved under the tongue or in the cheeks. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty. This step induces cramping and heavy bleeding, similar to a very heavy period or an early miscarriage. The bleeding and cramping typically start within 1 to 4 hours of taking the medication.
Completion
The heaviest bleeding and cramping usually last a few hours. Lighter bleeding or spotting can continue for several weeks. A follow-up assessment is required 1 to 2 weeks later to confirm the process is fully complete and to address any ongoing side effects or rare complications.
Effectiveness & Risks
Effectiveness varies slightly depending on gestational age. While considered safe for eligible individuals, it is important to understand when the procedure may require further medical intervention.
Success Rate by Gestational Age
Data reflects standard complete abortion rates.
When it doesn’t work
In a small percentage of cases (roughly 2-7% depending on gestation), the medication does not completely empty the uterus (incomplete abortion) or the pregnancy continues. In these situations, further medical care is required, often involving an in-clinic surgical procedure to prevent infection or complications.
General Side Effects
Aside from expected bleeding and cramping, common side effects from the medications include nausea, vomiting, temporary fever, chills, diarrhea, and headache.
What to Expect: Physical & Emotional
Normal Physical Responses
- Heavy Bleeding & Clots: Bleeding will be heavier than a normal period. Passing blood clots is expected during the peak of the process.
- Strong Cramping: Uterine contractions cause significant cramping.
- Other Side Effects: Misoprostol commonly causes chills, low-grade fever (on the day it’s taken), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Emotional Landscape
Hormonal shifts combined with personal circumstances mean emotions can vary widely.
Common Feelings
Feelings can range from relief to sadness. Hormonal drops post-pregnancy can also cause temporary mood swings.
Seeking Support
If negative emotions persist, or if you feel overwhelmed, speaking with a counselor or support staff is highly recommended.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is crucial to know the warning signs of complications. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding: Soaking through two thick full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours.
- Prolonged Fever: A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that starts or lasts more than 24 hours after taking Misoprostol.
- Severe Pain: Severe abdominal or back pain that is not relieved by pain medication.
- Foul-smelling discharge: This can be an indicator of an infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an ultrasound first?
An ultrasound is highly recommended before a medical abortion. It confirms viable pregnancy, determines the exact gestational age, and rules out dangerous ectopic pregnancies (pregnancies outside the uterus), which the abortion pill cannot treat.
Can I be alone during the process?
Medical professionals strongly recommend having a trusted support person with you, or highly accessible (e.g., in the next room), especially on the day you take Misoprostol. They can assist if an emergency or severe side effects arise.
How is it different from Plan B?
They are entirely different medications. Emergency contraception (like Plan B) delays ovulation to prevent a pregnancy from starting. The medical abortion process (Mifepristone/Misoprostol) ends an already established pregnancy.