No one can predict what your experience using the abortion pill method will be like. Several factors, such as your pain tolerance, how far along you are in your pregnancy, and the prescription you receive, all factor into the outcome. However, we can look at what others have said and better understand what you might expect.
What Is the Abortion Pill Method?
The abortion pill method is also known as a medication, medical, or chemical abortion because it uses a couple of drugs to end a pregnancy. The FDA strongly regulates the first drug, mifepristone, and approves its use through 10 weeks of pregnancy. Only certified providers can legally prescribe the drug.
Mifepristone blocks the pregnancy hormone progesterone. All fetuses need progesterone to survive. Without progesterone, your uterine lining will thin, and the fetus won’t stay attached.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes bleeding and contractions to expel the fetus and other tissue from the body. Most women start to feel the effects of the abortion pill method after taking the second drug.
One Experience From a Reddit User
As we said earlier, your experience will be unique to you. No one can predict how you will respond to the drugs. Some women feel minimal discomfort, while others feel extreme pain and bleed heavily.
Here are the comments from one anonymous Reddit user who was 9 weeks pregnant:
“9:30 am: 1000mg (2 pills) Extra strength Tylenol
10:00 am: Placed 4 Misoprostol pills under my tongue for 30 mins.
10:20 am: Cramping started setting in fast, getting more intense by the minute. Pain was 6/10 at this time.
10:36 am: Diarrhea that lasted about an hour. Horrible cramping, 9/10 pain. Lightheaded, nauseated, and VERY cold. Really felt like I was going to pass out, and I was fighting hard to keep myself from throwing up.”
Will I Experience Pain and Heavy Bleeding?
Experts suggest, “Most women who have a medical abortion need help to cope with the pain.”
This particular study was from Norway, where women reported that the pain was “out of this world.”
Bleeding and cramping are experiences women will have. The number of weeks and days of pregnancy plays into the amount of bleeding and cramping you experience.
What Should I Do?
Meeting with a healthcare provider for an evaluation beforehand is critical. Have them describe the process in detail. You deserve to understand fully what the abortion pill method does.
Experts suggest taking the following steps in preparation:
- Confirm your pregnancy.
- Take urine or blood tests.
- Have an ultrasound to determine how far along the pregnancy is.
- Get a full explanation of the procedure, risks, and side effects.
Will I Feel Relief Afterward?
Just like no one can predict how you will respond physically, your emotional response will be unique to you, too. Many women report feeling relief after the pain and bleeding stop. However, within weeks, months, or years, some women experience guilt and regret.
After-Abortion Medical and Emotional Follow-Ups
If you have non-emergency medical questions about your abortion, our nurse is available to address your concerns. However, if you are bleeding heavily, soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours, it’s time to visit the ER.
Knowing what’s “normal” after an abortion can be challenging. Choices offers no-cost after-abortion medical follow-ups. We care about both your physical and mental well-being. There’s no judgment, no shame. Get both the medical and emotional help you need.
To schedule a no-cost, confidential medical appointment or to talk with someone, call or text (423) 266-8322. You can also conveniently connect with us online.
We’re here to help you. You deserve to have someone walk alongside you. Let that be Choices.