What to Expect When You Take the Abortion Pill

by | Dec 5, 2025 | Uncategorized

Facing an unplanned pregnancy can feel overwhelming. If you’re considering the abortion pill as an option, it’s important to understand what’s involved. This medical process carries risks and side effects that you should be aware of before making your decision.

This guide explains how the abortion pill works, what to expect during and after the process, and when to seek medical attention. Having accurate information helps you make the choice that’s right for your situation. Keep reading to learn more.

How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill, also called medication abortion, involves two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Here’s how they work[1]:

  • Mifepristone: Taken first, this drug blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to keep a pregnancy going. Without progesterone, the pregnancy cannot continue.
  • Misoprostol: Taken 24–48 hours later, this drug causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.

The FDA approves the abortion pill for pregnancies up to 10 weeks (about 70 days from your last menstrual period).[2] 

Before taking the abortion pill, it’s recommended that you receive an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are and to rule out complications like miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy (when the embryo implants outside the uterus). Neither of these conditions are treated by abortion medications.

How Long Does the Abortion Pill Take to Work?

Here’s a typical timeline for the abortion pill:

First: You take mifepristone, usually at a clinic or doctor’s office. 

24-48 Hours Later: You take misoprostol.[3] 

2-24 Hours Later: Cramping and bleeding start within 2-24 hours of taking misoprostol.[4] For most women, the process completes within a day, though it can take longer for some. Every woman’s experience is different, so the exact timing varies.[5]

How Much Bleeding Is Normal After the Abortion Pill?

The further along you are in pregnancy, the heavier the bleeding might be. Here’s what to expect:

  • When it starts: Bleeding usually begins 2–6 hours after taking misoprostol.[6]
  • How long it lasts: Heavy bleeding may last a few hours, with lighter bleeding or spotting for 9–16 days. In some cases, spotting can continue for up to a month.[7]
  • When to call a doctor: If you’re soaking through two full-size pads per hour for two hours or more, call your doctor right away. This could signal a problem like hemorrhaging.

The abortion pill generally causes heavier bleeding than a surgical abortion.[8] While some bleeding is expected, excessive bleeding requires immediate medical attention.

Abortion Pill Side Effects

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

  • Cramping
  • Bleeding or spotting, which can last up to a month
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea 
  • Headaches
  • Chills or low fever

Serious risks of the abortion pill 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 medical 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 fever lasting over 24 hours after misoprostol may signal an infection requiring antibiotics or surgery.[13]

Have Questions About the Abortion Pill in St Cloud and Waite Park, Minnesota? Contact Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic.

An unplanned pregnancy can bring up feelings of fear and uncertainty, but you don’t have to face this decision alone. At Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic, we’re here to provide answers, support, and resources to help you make an informed, confident choice.

Call us at 320-253-1962 or book an appointment online today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I take the abortion pill if I’m not sure how far along I am?

It’s important to confirm your gestational age before taking the abortion pill, because it is FDA-approved up to 10 weeks of pregnancy. Taking the medication when you’re further along than 10 weeks can increase the risk of complications.

2. What’s the difference between the abortion pill and emergency contraception (Plan B)?

The abortion pill and emergency contraception are completely different. Emergency contraception (like Plan B) is taken within 72 hours of unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy from occurring. The abortion pill is taken after pregnancy has been confirmed and works to end an existing pregnancy. Emergency contraception will not work if you’re already pregnant.

3. Will I be able to tell when the pregnancy has passed?

Many women report seeing blood clots, tissue, or the fetus during the heaviest bleeding. However, you should follow-up with your healthcare provider 7–14 days after taking the medications is essential to ensure the abortion was successful and that no tissue remains in your uterus.

4. Is the abortion pill painful?

Most women experience significant cramping and pain during the abortion pill process, particularly after taking misoprostol. The pain is often described as more intense than regular menstrual cramps. Pain levels vary from person to person and can depend on how far along you are in pregnancy. 

5. Does the abortion pill affect future fertility?

The abortion pill does not typically affect your ability to get pregnant in the future. Your fertility can return very quickly—sometimes within a few weeks. However, complications like incomplete abortion or infection, if not properly treated, could potentially impact future fertility. 

Please be aware that Pregnancy Resource Center + Medical Clinic 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.