What to Expect When You Take the Abortion Pill

May 29, 2025

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming, and the abortion pill might seem like a straightforward solution. However, this medical procedure carries risks and side effects you should understand before deciding. 

Knowing the facts empowers you to make an informed choice. Keep reading to explore what happens when you take the abortion pill, including how it works, its timeline, and potential complications.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill, often called medication abortion, involves two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. First, mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone essential for sustaining a pregnancy. Without it, the embryo cannot survive. Then, 24 to 48 hours later, misoprostol triggers uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy tissue.[1]

The FDA approves this method only up to 10 weeks of gestation.[2] Before proceeding, an ultrasound is critical to confirm how far along you are and rule out risks like ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage. In those cases, abortion may not be a viable option.

How Long Does the Abortion Pill Take to Work?

Typically, you’ll take mifepristone at a clinic, followed by misoprostol at home 24 to 48 hours later.[3] After misoprostol, cramping and bleeding usually start within 2 to 24 hours.[4] For most, the pregnancy is expelled within that window, though it can vary.[5]

How Long Does Bleeding Last After the Abortion Pill?

Bleeding often begins about two hours after taking misoprostol[6] and can last for 9 to 16 days. In some cases, it may continue for up to 30 days or more.[7] The duration depends on factors like your pregnancy’s stage and your body’s response to the drug.

How Much Bleeding Is Normal After an Abortion?

The abortion pill generally causes heavier bleeding than a surgical abortion.[8] The further along you are, the more bleeding you might experience. While some bleeding is expected, excessive amounts signal a need for medical attention.

Abortion Pill Side Effects

Like any medical intervention, the abortion pill has side effects. Common ones include[9]:

  • Spotting or bleeding for up to a month
  • Headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea or stomach discomfort
  • Chills or fever
  • Abdominal cramping (from misoprostol)

More severe risks, though less common, include:

  • Allergic reaction: If you’re allergic to misoprostol ingredients, you could experience anaphylactic shock, a life-threatening condition.[10]
  • Hemorrhaging: Soaking two full-size sanitary pads per hour for two or more hours indicates excessive bleeding requiring urgent care.[11]
  • Incomplete abortion: If pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus, emergency surgery might be necessary to prevent infection.[12]
  • Infection: Persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a fever lasting over 24 hours after misoprostol could signal an infection needing antibiotics or surgery.[13]

When to Call Your Doctor

Recognizing warning signs is crucial. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience[14]:

  • Heavy bleeding: Soaking through two pads hourly for two hours or more.
  • Persistent sickness: Severe abdominal pain, weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (with or without fever) lasting over 24 hours after taking misoprostol, potentially indicating infection or ectopic pregnancy.
  • Fever: A temperature of 100.4°F or higher for more than 4 hours after taking misoprostol.

Abortion Pill Information in Wilson, North Carolina

An unplanned pregnancy can stir up fear, but you don’t have to let it control your decisions. At Choices Women’s Center, we’re here to provide answers and resources for an informed, confident choice. 

Call us at (252) 237-6833 or book an appointment online today. 

Schedule An Appointment

Please be aware that Choices Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortion services.*

Sources

  1. FDA. (2025, February 11). Questions and Answers on Mifepristone for Medical Termination of Pregnancy Through Ten Weeks Gestation. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifepristone-medical-termination-pregnancy-through-ten-weeks-gestation?sm_guid=NTU1NzgyfDYzMDE1OTM2fC0xfGppbUBha2ZhbWlseS5vcmd8NTY4OTI4MXx8MHwwfDE5OTYwMDk4OHwxMDg2fDB8MHx8NTQ3NzI2fDA1
  2. See source #1.
  3. See source #1.
  4. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html
  5. Mayo Clinic. (2025, February 1). Mifepristone (oral route). https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/mifepristone-oral-route/description/drg-20067123
  6. See source #4.
  7. See source #4.
  8. Bridwell, R. E., Long, B., Montrief, T., & Gottlieb, M. (2022, October 23). Post-abortion Complications: A Narrative Review for Emergency Clinicians. The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9683756/
  9. See source #4.
  10. Shin, Hyun Joo, et al. “Anaphylactic Shock to Vaginal Misoprostol: A Rare Adverse Reaction to a Frequently Used Drug.” PubMed Central (PMC), 9 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137020
  11. Danco Laboratories, LLC & FDA. (2016, March). Mifeprex Label. FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020687s020lbl.pdf
  12. Mayo Clinic. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
  13. See source #4.
  14. See source #12.
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