Abortion Pill Side Effects: Your Guide to What to Expect

Even though the abortion pill—also known as medication or medical abortion—has been FDA-approved for over 20 years and is 98% effective, there is still a lot of misinformation and anxiety about whether it works. Don’t worry—oyrafem is here to help you navigate through any abortion pill side effects!

Curious about what actually happens when you take the abortion pill? Or how you know the abortion is complete? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you understand what to expect if you or a friend is taking the abortion pill.

1. What Happens When You Take the Abortion Pill?

The abortion pill is actually a combination of two medications—mifepristone and misoprostol—that are taken in sequence. In the U.S., these medications are typically used before 12 weeks of pregnancy.

Mifepristone (the first pill) blocks a hormone necessary for the pregnancy to continue. Most people take this first pill in a healthcare office. Some individuals may experience light vaginal bleeding after taking mifepristone, though it’s not common.
Misoprostol (the second set of pills) causes cramping and bleeding to expel the pregnancy, similar to a miscarriage. It’s usually taken at home within 72 hours of taking mifepristone.

Most people experience cramping and bleeding within an hour of taking misoprostol, though it may take longer for some. It’s normal to feel chills, nausea, or even diarrhea along with bleeding and cramping as your body expels the pregnancy from your uterus. Think of it like having a very heavy, crampy period accompanied by mild flu-like symptoms.

Make sure to have thick overnight-type maxi pads ready and a heating pad to help with cramping. oyrafem offers anti-nausea and pain medications to manage these symptoms.

For most people, the heaviest bleeding and cramping ends once the pregnancy has passed, typically within 3-4 hours. Some individuals may experience light bleeding that continues until their next period, which usually starts within 4-6 weeks.

2. What Should I Expect After the Abortion Is Complete?

How you feel during and after a medication abortion varies from person to person. You may feel tired or crampy for a day or so, and you’ll experience bleeding and spotting for a while. Most people return to normal activities within a day or two after the abortion.

You can go back to work, school, driving, and other regular activities the next day, as long as you feel up to it. Avoid heavy physical activity or exercise for a few days and ensure you’re eating nutritious food and staying hydrated as you recover.

The good news is that most pregnancy-related symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue, improve or even disappear within 48 hours.

3. How Do You Know If the Abortion Pill Worked?

It’s important to understand that a medication abortion is a process, and everyone’s body reacts differently. It takes time for the uterus to empty completely. Cramping is a sign that the uterus is contracting and the medication is working. Bleeding and clotting are normal for 1 to 3 weeks or longer.

If you’ve experienced bleeding and passed blood clots, that’s a good indication that the medication is working. The relief from pregnancy symptoms is another positive sign.

You can also take a home pregnancy test, but be aware that urine tests may still show a positive result for several weeks. It’s recommended to wait at least 4-5 weeks before taking a home pregnancy test.

4. How Does Taking the Abortion Pill Affect My Body?

Despite some misinformation, taking the abortion pill does not have long-term effects on your body. In fact, most people feel physically fine shortly after the abortion. Some feel ready to resume daily activities immediately, while others may need more rest.

Many people experience light bleeding or spotting for up to a couple of weeks after the abortion. Avoid strenuous physical activity until the bleeding stops, and focus on eating healthy food and staying hydrated to aid recovery.

Importantly, taking the abortion pill does not increase your risk of breast cancer or affect your fertility. Abortion is very safe and does not cause problems with future pregnancies or impact your physical or mental health. These are common myths without medical backing.

5. Are There Any Abortion Pill Side Effects?

Bleeding and cramping are normal side effects of misoprostol and mifepristone, and they indicate that the medication is working. It may be helpful to take the second set of pills when you can stay at home, as the effects can include heavy bleeding and diarrhea. Some people prefer to take the pills in the evening for more privacy.

During the abortion process, you may see blood clots, which are normal—provided they are no larger than a lemon. Other potential side effects include:

Nausea
Chills
Diarrhea
A slight increase in temperature
Dizziness

Your healthcare provider will give you medications to help manage these effects. A heating pad or hot water bottle can also help ease discomfort.

Most people manage just fine with these symptoms.

6. How Does an Abortion Feel Physically and Mentally?

One of the most common questions is whether an abortion hurts. The truth is that the experience is different for everyone, just as menstrual cycles vary. The abortion pill may cause some pain or just mild discomfort.

For most people, it feels like a heavy period with mild flu-like symptoms. Common physical effects include:

Cramping and aches in your belly
Heavy bleeding with large blood clots
An upset stomach or vomiting
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Tiredness
Mild fever (99-100°F) or chills on the day you take misoprostol

7. When Should You Call Your Health Center?

If you do not experience any bleeding within 24 hours after taking the second medication, contact your healthcare provider. Some individuals may need an additional dose of misoprostol. If you experience very heavy bleeding or flu-like symptoms that worsen instead of improving, call your doctor or health center immediately. oyrafem will provide pain management and anti-nausea medications to help you through these possible effects.

8. Don’t Forget to Take Care of Your Mental Health Too!

After an abortion, individuals may feel a range of emotions. Relief is common, but sadness or other emotions may also arise. It’s okay to feel a mixture of emotions, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to feel. If your mood affects your daily life, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider for support.

There are also many confidential emotional support organizations, like Exhale, All-Options, and Connect & Breathe, if you want to talk or text someone about your personal experience.

9. After-Abortion Care & Recovery Tips

Our team has put together an excellent guide on after-abortion care, with symptoms to watch for and helpful recovery tips. You’ll find guidance on managing lingering symptoms, the best self-care practices, and even a playlist of “Reproductive Power Jams” to keep you energized during your recovery.

For more information, visit oyrafem.com.