A medical abortion is a safe and effective way to terminate a pregnancy. Even so, it can cause some unpleasant side effects — especially after you take misoprostol. Side effects usually start within 2 to 24 hours of taking it. Cramping and bleeding are expected, but more serious side effects are possible, too.
Below, we’ll review nine abortion pill side effects, how to manage them, and when to get help.
1. Cramping
You should expect to experience cramping, especially after taking misoprostol. This is because misoprostol causes strong uterine contractions to help your body pass the pregnancy.
Your healthcare provider may recommend an over-the-counter or prescription pain reliever to help you feel more comfortable. But you should avoid taking aspirin, since it can cause more bleeding.
2. Vaginal bleeding
You should also expect vaginal bleeding as the pregnancy leaves your body. This is sometimes heavier than your normal period. You may also see clots and tissue. Your healthcare provider may recommend using sanitary pads for a few days to keep track of your bleeding.
Together with cramping, these side effects usually mean that the medications are working. But, there are some exceptions that we’ll cover later. Although uncommon, some people may need to have surgery to stop the bleeding if it’s too heavy.
Over the next week or two, you may notice some bleeding or spotting — this is also normal. Sometimes it can even last up to a month. Because of this, you may need to wear sanitary pads during this time.
3. Nausea
You may feel nauseated — or generally unwell — after taking misoprostol. This side effect is temporary and doesn’t last for very long.
But if you’ve been feeling this way more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol, get medical attention. Nausea, as well as weakness, diarrhea, and/or vomiting that goes on for this long can be a sign of a serious infection.
4. Fever or chills
It’s also possible to develop a fever and/or chills during a medical abortion. Similar to nausea, this should be temporary.
But if your fever is at least 100.4°F and lasts for 4 hours or more, contact your healthcare provider. This can be a sign of a serious infection, especially if you have a fever more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol.
5. Incomplete abortion
Medical abortions are very effective at terminating a pregnancy. But sometimes they don’t work — even if you experienced the expected side effects.
It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider 1 to 2 weeks after the medical abortion. That’s because there’s a small chance that you may still be pregnant. In this case, another dose may be required or a surgical procedure may be required to complete the process.
