What happens after using abortion pills?

What are the symptoms and side effects after using abortion pills?

After you take mifepristone

Mifepristone usually has no major side effects—you can go about your day as usual. Some people may feel more nausea or fatigue, or experience mild bleeding, but it’s also normal to feel nothing at all.

After you take misoprostol

Cramping and bleeding are the main side effects. These symptoms are useful because they show the medicine is working, but how much cramping and bleeding is expected?

For some people, the cramping is very strong – much more painful than menstrual cramps.

Sometimes, the bleeding is heavier than a normal menstrual period. It is also common to pass blood clots in the first few hours after taking misoprostol. The size of the clots will vary depending on how far along the pregnancy was. In an early pregnancy, even small blood clots can show the abortion worked. After 10 weeks, you might see or feel a recognizable embryo or fetus when it passes.

And for some people, the cramping is mild and the bleeding is like a normal menstrual period.

If you experience bad cramping, take three to four ibuprofen pills (200 mg) every six to eight hours. This should make you feel better. You can also use a hot pad, have a hot shower, or drink some hot tea.

You can drink and eat whatever you want.

Try to stay in a comfortable place until you feel better.

You should feel better in less than 24 hours.

Some people experience other side effects, such as

• chills,
• dizziness,
• fever,
• nausea or vomiting,
• diarrhea, and
• headaches.

Although uncomfortable, these side effects are not a warning sign. Try to drink plenty of water and keep yourself as comfortable as possible.

Most people will stop feeling pregnancy symptoms, like nausea, within a few days. Sore breasts are usually the last symptom to go away and this symptom can last up to 10 days after using misoprostol.

Note:

It’s best to do a pregnancy test four to five weeks after your abortion, to make sure it worked. This can be a urine or blood test. If you do the test sooner, you might get a false-positive result. Either way, listen to your body; if you continue to feel pregnancy symptoms (breast tenderness, nausea, fatigue, etc.) after using the pills, go for an ultrasound to check if the abortion was successful.

How do I know if I am having a complication after using abortion pills?

While passing a pregnancy, the above symptoms are normal and complications are rare. Below are some signs that you may be at risk for a complication. Be alert.

Heavy bleeding

If you soak two regular pads, per hour, for two hours in a row after you think you have passed the pregnancy, this is considered very heavy bleeding. You should seek medical help if you bleed this much. Soaking means that the pad is completely soaked through with blood, front-to-back, side-to-side, and all the way through.

Intense pain

If you have extreme pain that does not get better, even after you take ibuprofen, seek medical help. This kind of extreme pain may mean that you have a complication related to your pregnancy. Unresolved pain that is not relieved by ibuprofen can be a danger sign. In such cases, we suggest you seek medical care.

Feeling very sick

You may have a fever or experience nausea and vomiting the day you take misoprostol. This is normal, but you should feel better and better each day thereafter. If you start to feel worse, seek medical attention.

Bad-smelling vaginal discharge

Your blood might smell slightly bad and could be dark or bright red, or brown, but if the discharge is a different color and smells rotten, it could be a sign of infection.

Persistent fever

If you have a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) that starts at least 24 hours after taking misoprostol and does not go down after taking ibuprofen, you should seek medical help.

Allergic reaction

If you have an allergic reaction (such as itchy hands, redness, or swelling of the face or neck), you can take an anti-allergy medicine or antihistamine. However, if you have difficulty breathing, it indicates a very serious allergic reaction and you need immediate medical help.

What should I expect in the weeks after my abortion?

The most important thing is to listen to your body. You might feel a little tired; rest whenever you need to.

Use pads at first to track your bleeding. When you’re comfortable that everything’s on track, you can switch to tampons or a cup.

You can resume your normal activities when you feel ready. Take it at your own pace.

It’s safe to have sex when you’re ready, but keep in mind you can get pregnant again as soon as two weeks after an abortion, even if you’re still bleeding.

It’s normal to feel a range of emotions. Some people feel better right away, while others may need more time. Talking to someone you trust can be helpful. You can also chat with our friends at safe2choose.org.