Wondering how long an abortion takes? Whether you’re considering the abortion pill or a surgical abortion, here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after each procedure.
Types of Abortion and Their Timeframes
Two types of abortion exist—the abortion pill (also known as a medical or chemical abortion) and surgical abortion. Both involve different steps and amounts of time.
What To Know Before an Abortion
Before proceeding with either option, you’ll need to confirm a few key details with a medical professional:
- How Far Along Are You?
An ultrasound provides an accurate gestational age, often more reliable than counting from your last menstrual period.
- Is the Pregnancy Viable?
A limited ultrasound checks if the embryo has a heartbeat and rules out an ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus).
- Are There Any Medical Risks?
Conditions like clotting disorders, an IUD, or other medical conditions may affect your eligibility for an abortion.
At Choices Women’s Center, we offer free limited ultrasounds to help you get the answers you need. Call us today at (252) 237-6833 to see if you qualify!
How Long Does the Abortion Pill Take?
The abortion pill process involves two drugs: Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
- Mifepristone: This drug is taken first, either at a clinic or at home. It blocks the hormone progesterone to stop the pregnancy from continuing.
- Misoprostol: This drug is taken 24-28 hours later. It causes the uterus to cramp and empty the uterus.
How Long Does Bleeding Last After Abortion?: Cramping and bleeding usually begin within hours of taking Misoprostol. This may last for a few days. Mild bleeding typically continues for 9–16 days or up to 4 weeks.[1]
If the bleeding is so heavy that it soaks through two thick pads in an hour, seek emergency care immediately.
How Long Does a Surgical Abortion Take?
The time a surgical abortion takes depends on the procedure type and how far along you are in your pregnancy. Surgical abortion procedures include vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage, and dilation and evacuation.
- Preparation: The cervix may be dilated a day or two in advance. Before the abortion procedure, you’ll receive a local anesthetic, oral pain relief, IV sedation, or possibly general anesthesia.
- Procedures:
- First Trimester: A first-trimester abortion typically takes less time than a second or third trimester abortion. The provider removes the embryo/fetus and pregnancy tissue through the cervix.
- Second and Third Trimester: A second and third trimester abortion is more complicated and takes longer, due to the fact that the fetus is larger at this point. The providers must ensure that they empty the uterus completely.
- Recovery: Clinic or hospital staff should monitor you to ensure you don’t develop complications.
- Aftercare: Bleeding may last for 1–2 weeks.
When Should I Receive Abortion Follow-Up Care?
Receiving follow-up care after an abortion is crucial. Plan a follow-up visit with your healthcare provider as directed after the procedure. This should help check for complications and ensure your body is healing well.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Hemorrhaging. Bleeding after the abortion pill is expected. However, if you soak through two full-size pads per hour, for two or more hours, you could be hemorrhaging.[2]
- Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when the embryo and/or pregnancy tissue remain in the uterus after abortion drugs have been taken. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove the remaining tissue and prevent infection.[3]
- Infection. If you develop a fever 24 hours after taking Misoprostol, contact your healthcare provider. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat a possible infection.[4]
Abortion Information in Wilson, North Carolina
Abortion takes time—both the procedure itself and the recovery process. Before choosing an abortion, call us today at (252) 237-6833 to speak with our compassionate and qualified staff. We’re here to help you make a fully informed decision!
Please be aware that Choices Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex. Danco Laboratories, LLC. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020687s014lbl.pdf
- FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html