What Happens After Taking an Abortion Pill?

An abortion pill process is easily followed at home in early pregnancy. Taking the pills as per instructions of a healthcare professional is non-negotiable. Plus, understanding what happens during the procedure, the side effects and their management, aftercare and recovery – is moreover vital. In this blog, we will discuss the medication abortion in detail so that you are completely aware of the do’s and don’ts.

Mifepristone: The Primary Pill to Begin the Abortion

The abortion at home is done in two steps. The first involves oral intake of Mifepristone 200mg, an antiprogesterone medicine. It blocks the hormone required to keep the endometrium intact. Without progesterone, the pregnancy ends as the endometrial sheds and the conception products do not stay attached to the uterus wall.

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While Mifepristone performs an important function, it causes no significant side effects.

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Even if there are any, these are mild and minimal such as light spotting, fatigue, or nausea.

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You can go on with your daily activities without any major disruptions or adjustments in your routine.

Misoprostol: The Second Medicine to Complete the Abortion

The next step is to administer 200mcg x 4 Misoprostol pills. These relax and widen the cervix as well as cause constant uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy tissues. You need to take this medication 24 to 48 hours after Mifepristone. The pills are dissolved under the tongue or in between the cheek and gums. Or, these are inserted vaginally. ·

In the first 1 to 4 hours, you will notice abdominal cramping and pain like severe menstrual contractions. This indicates, the pills are working fine and the uterus is contracting sufficiently, prepared to empty the womb.

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Next, heavy bleeding begins – heavier than a normal period. You may pass small to large blood clots depending how further you are in pregnancy. Thus, the abortion activity is at the peak in 2 to 6 hours of using Misoprostol.

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As the pregnancy exits, you may also notice other common effects. These include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, mild fever or chills for a few hours, fatigue, and dizziness.

Self-Care During the Medical Abortion

At the time of taking the pills, make sure you are in a comfortable environment, especially during Misoprostol administration. Take a day off as you will be experiencing the expelling of pregnancy this day. ·

Make sure to use large-sized pads for the bleeding and avoid menstrual cups, tampons.

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Have ready access to a clean and private bathroom, as you may have to frequent this place.

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Keep supportive products nearby such as heating pad / hot water bottle for pain management, Ibuprofen or relevant pain med (avoid Aspirin), antiemetic pills to prevent vomiting, other over-the-counter meds for fever, headache, etc.

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If you are tucked in a bed or sofa, have clean linen and comfortable pillows for added relief.

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Keep drinking water and electrolyte liquids nearby, avoid caffeine and alcohol intake, and have light and healthy meals.

Immediately After the Pregnancy Termination

In the first two days after Misoprostol dose, you may notice:

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The heavy bleeding may reduce if the majority of pregnancy tissues have passed out. The flow will become lighter.

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The cramping would reduce in frequency and intensity with pregnancy products out of the system. Also, the pain meds help to reduce the cramps.

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You may feel less tired and sick as abortion is complete. You may resume light chores after this duration. However, avoid strenuous physical activity for the first two weeks.

Expectations After 2 Weeks of Completing the Abortion

The first two weeks, you may experience lingering side effects. But after that, you may feel more energetic and physically well. However, balancing hormones after pregnancy termination may take some time. So, here is what happens after the initial couple of weeks of a medical abortion:

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The bleeding is light or remains limited to spotting until the next menstrual cycle – 2 to 4 weeks. The first period after abortion may occur in 4 to 6 weeks.

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However, ovulation can occur early after 8 to 11 days of abortion completion, or take a few more weeks. So, use birth control when sexually active.

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It is advisable to avoid vaginal penetration and intercourse while still bleeding to avoid the risk of an infection.

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If you feel emotionally unstable or troubled, speak to trusted individuals or a professional counsellor for mental health support.

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A pregnancy assessment is necessary after 14 days of taking the Misoprostol meds. An ultrasound scan will prove if the abortion was a success as it provides details if the uterus contains any pregnancy remains or not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the common FAQS about the abortion pill process:

1. How soon should I seek a medical abortion for an unplanned pregnancy?

A medical abortion is effective for a pregnancy up to the first 10 weeks, and maximum up to 11-12 weeks but no later. Also, the pregnancy must be uncomplicated, with no history of repeated miscarriages in the past. Avoid the pills if you have an ectopic pregnancy.

2. What are the contraindications of abortion pills?

Medical abortion is not suggested for women with pregnancy extrauterine and over 12 weeks, with bleeding disorders, inherited porphyria, chronic adrenal insufficiency, long-term corticosteroid therapy, or severe kidney / liver / heart disorders.

3. What are the interactions of medical abortion?

The things to avoid with abortion meds are grapefruit juice, alcohol, corticosteroids, blood thinners and NSAIDs, acetaminophen, CYP3A4 inducers and inhibitors, certain antidepressants, etc.

4. What are the warning signs to be careful about during an abortion?

Seek immediate medical attention in case of rare complications. These include severe pain unmanaged by pain meds, soaking two or more maxi pads per hour for next two hours, a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher lasting more than 24 hours of using Misoprostol, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or other unusual symptoms.

5. When can I resume sexual activity after the abortion pill?

When you are emotionally and physically ready to resume sexual activity, you can go ahead. Preferably avoid intercourse while bleeding, but use birth control if you are sexually engaged as fertility may return in just a week after the abortion.