How Long Does It Take for the Abortion Pill to Work? | Dove Medical

If you’re unexpectedly pregnant, you may feel a sense of urgency to find a solution, so you’re looking into the abortion pill.

The abortion pill is a two-step process using mifepristone and misoprostol. The timeline can vary from person to person, but both drugs are typically taken within 72 hours of each other.

At Dove Medical, we offer free services, including pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds. These can help you understand your eligibility for a certain procedure.

Step 1: Mifepristone

This first pill works by blocking progesterone, a hormone your body needs to maintain a pregnancy. Some women who take it may experience light spotting or mild cramping.

Step 2: Misoprostol

This drug causes the uterus to contract, helping it pass the pregnancy.

Cramping and bleeding typically begin after taking misoprostol. Heavier bleeding, often with clots, will occur as part of the process.

Possible complications resulting from a medical abortion can include an incomplete abortion, where some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus and may require follow-up care, or an ongoing pregnancy if the medications do not work as expected.

The Mental Health Impact of the Abortion Pill

While there is debate over how much impact is caused by an abortion, the National Library of Medicine found that there is agreement on a key point: some women experience mental health challenges that are caused, triggered, worsened, or complicated by their abortion experience.

Next Steps

At Dove Medical, we offer no-cost pregnancy services to give you crucial details about your pregnancy, including the gestational age.

The abortion pill is only FDA-approved through 10 weeks of gestation, so an ultrasound helps you understand your options.

We also provide a safe space for you to explore your options and get answers to your questions. We want you to have the information you need to feel confident in your pregnancy decision.

Dove Medical offers pregnancy diagnosis, decision coaching, and accurate information about all pregnancy options; however, we do not refer for or perform abortion services, including the abortion pill.

This post is for education and information purposes only and does not substitute the advice of a Healthcare Professional.