Bleeding, cramping, and other side effects can occur after taking the abortion pill. However, some symptoms may indicate a complication that needs medical attention.
Knowing the difference between expected side effects and potential warning signs can help you understand when it may be time to contact a healthcare provider or seek emergency care. If you are concerned about what you are experiencing, paying attention to the severity and duration of your symptoms is an important place to start.
Signs of Possible Abortion Pill Complications
Some bleeding, cramping, nausea, and other side effects can be expected after taking the abortion pill. However, certain symptoms may signal that something is wrong, especially if they are severe, continue longer than expected, or get worse over time.
Warning signs can include unusually heavy or prolonged bleeding, severe abdominal pain, persistent fever or chills, unusual vaginal discharge, ongoing pregnancy symptoms, or feeling faint or extremely weak. Understanding these symptoms in more detail can help you know when to seek medical care.
Heavy or Prolonged Bleeding
Bleeding is expected after taking the abortion pill and may be heavier than a typical period. However, very heavy bleeding can be a sign that you need medical attention.
Seek medical care if you soak through two or more full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours. You should also contact a healthcare provider if heavy bleeding does not begin to improve or if you are concerned about the amount of blood you are losing.
Severe or Worsening Abdominal Pain
Cramping is common after taking the abortion pill and can sometimes be intense. However, severe abdominal or pelvic pain that does not improve with pain medication or continues to get worse may indicate a complication.
Contact a healthcare provider if the pain is severe, persistent, or feels significantly different from the cramping you were told to expect. Severe pain accompanied by dizziness, fainting, fever, or heavy bleeding requires prompt medical attention.
Fever or Chills That Don’t Improve
Chills and a mild fever can occur after taking misoprostol, but they should not continue for an extended period. A fever that persists or develops after the initial medication-related effects have passed may be a sign of infection.
Contact a healthcare provider if you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that lasts more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol, especially if you also have worsening pain, weakness, or unusual vaginal discharge.
Foul-Smelling Vaginal Discharge
Vaginal discharge can change during and after the abortion pill process, but a strong or unpleasant odor may be a sign of infection. This can be especially concerning when it occurs with a fever, worsening abdominal pain, or feeling generally unwell.
If you notice foul-smelling discharge or other symptoms that concern you, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation.
Ongoing Pregnancy Symptoms
Pregnancy symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, or breast tenderness may take some time to fade after taking the abortion pill. However, symptoms that continue without improving could indicate that the pregnancy is ongoing.
If you still feel pregnant or your symptoms are not improving, contact a healthcare provider. Follow-up testing or an ultrasound may be needed to determine whether the
abortion was complete.
Dizziness, Weakness, or Fainting
Feeling tired or mildly lightheaded can occur during the abortion pill process. However, significant dizziness, unusual weakness, or fainting can be a sign of excessive blood loss or another complication.
If you faint, have trouble staying awake, feel extremely weak, or experience severe dizziness along with heavy bleeding or intense pain, seek emergency medical care.
When to Call Your Provider or Visit the ER
If you are concerned about your symptoms after taking the abortion pill, contact a healthcare provider. Symptoms such as persistent fever, worsening pain, unusual discharge, or ongoing pregnancy symptoms should be evaluated.
Seek emergency medical care for severe symptoms, including very heavy bleeding, fainting, severe abdominal pain, difficulty staying awake, or signs that you may be losing a significant amount of blood. When in doubt about a severe or rapidly worsening symptom, getting prompt medical attention is the safest course of action.
How Long Do Abortion Pill Side Effects Last?
The timing of side effects can vary from person to person. Cramping and heavier bleeding typically occur within several hours after taking misoprostol and often lessen once the pregnancy has passed. Lighter bleeding or spotting may continue for several weeks.
Other side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, chills, headache, or fatigue, generally improve within a day or two. If symptoms remain severe, get worse instead of better, or continue longer than expected, contact a healthcare provider.
How Common Are Abortion Pill Complications?
Serious complications after taking the abortion pill are uncommon, but they can occur. Possible complications include heavy bleeding, infection, an incomplete abortion, or an ongoing pregnancy.
Your individual risk can depend on factors such as how far along the pregnancy is and your medical history. Because symptoms can vary, pay attention to how you feel and seek medical care if you experience any of the warning signs discussed above.
Get Free, Confidential Post-Abortion Support Today
If you have concerns after taking the abortion pill, you do not have to sort through them alone. Women’s Resource Clinic provides free and confidential post-abortion support in a compassionate, nonjudgmental environment.
Our team is here to listen, answer questions, and help you determine appropriate next steps. If you are experiencing symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency, seek emergency medical care right away.
For ongoing
support,
reach out today to schedule your free appointment. No pressure. No judgment. We’re here when you’re ready.
