If you are thinking about taking the abortion pill, you probably are wondering what to expect after you take it. Educating yourself on something that can affect your body is a great first step! With any procedure or medication comes potential side effects to be aware of. 

Here is what you can expect after taking the pills and what each abortion pill’s side effects are.

What are each abortion pill’s side effects? 

The abortion pill, also referred to as a medical abortion, is a combination of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Each pill has a specific purpose in the abortion process and can bring about its own side effects and risks.

What to expect after taking Mifepristone:  

Mifepristone is what ends your pregnancy by blocking the effects of progesterone (the hormone that supports your pregnancy). 

Common side effects that occur within 2 to 24 hours of taking the medication include:  

• Abdominal or stomach pain 
• Uterine cramping 
• Back pain  
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Fever 
• Chills 
• Dizziness 
• Diarrhea 
• Headache

What to expect after taking Misoprostol:  

Misoprostol is taken up to 48 hours after mifepristone. This drug softens the cervix, causes the uterus to contract, and prepares the body to expel the pregnancy.  

This drug will cause intense cramping and heavy bleeding. Cramping and bleeding vary from woman to woman, but typically the most intense pain and heavy bleeding lasts for up to 24 hours as the embryo passes from the uterus. During this time, you will pass blood clots, some up to the size of a lemon. After the abortion is complete, heavy bleeding might last several weeks. 

Common side effects that begin 1 to 4 hours after taking the medication include:  

• Abdominal pain and cramping 
• Heavy vaginal bleeding 
• Passing large blood clots and pregnancy tissue

Serious Side Effects and Complications:

The abortion pill has a complication rate four times higher than a surgical abortion, and as many as 1 in 5 women will suffer a complication. It is important to know that the complication risk increases with gestational age. 

 More serious side effects from the abortion pill include:  

• Incomplete abortion
• Heavy bleeding that requires surgery 
• Blood clots in the uterus 
• Serious infection 
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain

Are there any mental and emotional side effects of the abortion pill?

A lot of women feel different emotions after having an abortion. Some feel relief, while some feel deep sadness. Emotional and mental side effects can be immediate or appear later as time passes. 

Common mental/psychological symptoms after abortion may include:  

• Relationship problems 
• Substance abuse 
• Depression and anxiety 
• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm 
• Complicated grief 
• PTSD symptoms 
• Anger  
• Shame and guilt 
• Sleep problems and bad dreams 
• Avoiding and distracting yourself 
• Feelings of hopelessness or emptiness 
• Negative feelings about yourself and others 

These symptoms aren’t necessarily the result of the medication, but of the situation surrounding the abortion. So, these symptoms can vary from person to person.

Having a previous history of mental health problems or experiencing a sense of isolation may indicate a higher risk of depression after taking the abortion pill.

If you are experiencing emotions that are not typical for you, contact a mental health provider as soon as possible. 

Emotional healing after an abortion is just as important as physical healing. At Care Net, we offer support after an abortion. We are a safe and confidential place for you to process your emotions after an abortion and find support from women who understand. Visit our website here to learn more. 

What should I do if my side effects persist?

If you are bleeding through more than one regular-sized sanitary pad per hour for more than two hours, run a fever over 100.4 F, or are passing blood clots the size of a lemon, visit your nearest emergency room.  

For the emergency room staff to properly treat you, you must be truthful about taking the abortion pill.  

If you are experiencing any emotional effects of abortion, it’s a good idea to talk to a medical professional as soon as possible.