If you’re facing an unexpected pregnancy, you may be considering using abortion pills as a way to end the pregnancy. This option, also known as a medical abortion, has become more accessible in recent years. However, it’s essential to be fully informed before making this important decision. Understanding how abortion pills work, what side effects to expect, and the risks involved can help you make the choice that’s best for your health and well-being.
In this guide, we’ll explore what abortion pills are, how the process works, potential side effects and complications, and why getting medical support is critical—especially in the earliest stages of pregnancy.
What Are Abortion Pills?
Abortion pills refer to a two-step medical process used to terminate an early pregnancy. The pills involved are mifepristone and misoprostol.
- Mifepristone is taken first and works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue.
- Misoprostol is taken 24–48 hours later and causes the uterus to contract, expelling the embryo.
This method is FDA-approved for pregnancies up to 10 weeks (70 days), though some providers prescribe it off-label for slightly longer gestations. A medical abortion is not the same as emergency contraception (also known as the “morning-after pill”), which prevents pregnancy before it occurs.
How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
Step 1: Taking Mifepristone
Mifepristone begins the process by blocking progesterone and prompting the detachment of the embryo from the uterine wall. This step is critical, as it stops the pregnancy from progressing.
Step 2: Taking Misoprostol
The second medication, misoprostol, causes uterine contractions. This leads to cramping and bleeding, which expels the pregnancy tissue through the vagina. This part of the process is often compared to a miscarriage and typically occurs at home, which is why understanding what to expect is so important.
Side Effects of the Abortion Pill
While many people expect some level of discomfort, the side effects of abortion pills can be more intense than anticipated. It’s important to be physically and emotionally prepared for the process.
Common Side Effects Include:
- Nausea or upset stomach
- Vomiting
- Fever or chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Cramping
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
Most individuals experience cramping and bleeding that can last for several hours or days. However, for some, the symptoms can be severe.
Severe Symptoms May Include:
- Intense abdominal pain
- Soaking through two or more pads per hour for two consecutive hours
- Bleeding that lasts more than two weeks
- Fever over 100.4°F that lasts more than 4 hours
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
These could indicate serious complications such as infection or incomplete abortion and require immediate medical attention.
What to Expect Emotionally
In addition to physical symptoms, taking the abortion pill can come with emotional side effects. Reactions can vary from relief to sadness, guilt, or even anxiety. Having a support system—whether that’s friends, family, or medical professionals—can be crucial during this time.
Some individuals report emotional distress days or even weeks after the procedure. It’s important to recognize that these feelings are valid and to seek counseling or support if needed.
Potential Risks and Complications
Though it does not cause major physical complications for most users, the abortion pill does carry medical risks, particularly if taken without a healthcare provider’s supervision.
- Incomplete Abortion
An incomplete abortion occurs when not all pregnancy tissue is expelled from the uterus. This can result in ongoing symptoms like bleeding or infection and may require a surgical abortion (D&C) to resolve.
- Ongoing Pregnancy
In some cases, the pills may not effectively end the pregnancy. This risk increases the later the pregnancy progresses.
- Heavy and Prolonged Bleeding
While bleeding is expected, it can sometimes be excessive. This could lead to anemia or other health concerns.
- Infection
Bacterial infections can occur if pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus or if the abortion is not completed properly. Signs of infection include fever, chills, and unusual vaginal discharge.
- Ectopic Pregnancy
The abortion pill will not work for ectopic pregnancies, where the embryo implants outside the uterus—usually in a fallopian tube. This condition is life-threatening and requires emergency treatment.
Why Medical Supervision Matters
Though online abortion pill access is increasing, medical supervision remains a vital part of protecting your health. Confirming pregnancy through a pregnancy test and a limited obstetric ultrasound is the safest way to understand your situation.
At Ava Health, we offer no-cost pregnancy testing and, when indicated, limited obstetric ultrasounds. These services help determine:
- Whether you are pregnant
- How far along you are
- If the pregnancy is located inside the uterus
- If your body is naturally miscarrying
Having this information gives you clarity and ensures that you’re not taking unnecessary health risks.
Alternatives to the Abortion Pill
Understanding all your options empowers you to make a confident, informed decision. Depending on your circumstances, you may consider the following alternatives:
- Parenting
Some individuals choose to carry the pregnancy to term and raise the child. Community resources, healthcare access, parenting classes, and emotional support are all available to help.
- Adoption
Adoption is an available option if you’re not ready to parent. Today’s adoptions can be open, semi-open, or closed, giving you more control over the process.
- Surgical Abortion
If you’re further along in your pregnancy, or if medical abortion is not an option due to health concerns or personal preference, a surgical procedure may be an option. This typically occurs in a clinic or hospital setting under medical supervision.
Questions to Ask Before Taking the Abortion Pill
Before choosing a medical abortion, consider discussing the following with a healthcare provider:
- How far along is my pregnancy?
- Do I have access to emergency care if complications arise?
- Could I have an ectopic pregnancy?
- What are the physical and emotional side effects I should expect?
- What are my other options?
- How will I feel about this decision weeks or months from now?
Being prepared with these questions can help guide your conversation and provide peace of mind.
Ava Health Is Here to Help
Deciding what path to take when it comes to an unexpected pregnancy is not easy—but you don’t have to go through it alone. At Ava Health, we’re committed to helping you understand your pregnancy and your options, without pressure or judgment.
We provide the following services at no cost to you:
- Lab-quality urine pregnancy testing
- Limited obstetric ultrasounds
- Pregnancy options education
- Referrals for community support services
We’re here to support your physical and emotional well-being, no matter what you decide.
Make a No-Cost Appointment Today
Your health and safety come first. Before taking the abortion pill or pursuing any other option, confirm your pregnancy and get the medical guidance you need. Ava Health’s trained staff is ready to provide the care, clarity, and compassion you deserve.
Call us today or book your appointment online to get started. All services are confidential and provided at no cost.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. All abortion-related content is based on the most accurate data available at the time of publication.
Sources
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U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mifeprex (Mifepristone) Information. 8 Jan. 2023, www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/mifeprex-mifepristone-information. -
Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Medical Abortion.” Mayo Clinic, 22 Oct. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20385096. -
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation. Practice Bulletin No. 225, Oct. 2020, www.acog.org. -
National Library of Medicine / MedlinePlus
MedlinePlus. “Mifepristone and Misoprostol.” MedlinePlus Drug Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 July 2023, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html. -
Reardon, David C.
Reardon, David C. “The Abortion Pill Reversal: A Record of Success.” Issues in Law & Medicine, vol. 36, no. 2, 2021, pp. 147–153.