If you’ve taken the abortion drugs, or you’re considering them, you may be wondering what the next few days could look like.

While each person’s experience is different, you will inevitably face vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Beyond that, some people experience only a few symptoms, while others have more intense bleeding, cramping, or side effects. Knowing what typically happens during the first few days can help you better understand the process and recognize when you should seek medical care.

Here’s a general timeline of what could be experienced after taking the abortion drugs.

The First 24 Hours

A medical abortion involves two abortion drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol.

The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain a pregnancy. Without progesterone, your uterine lining will loosen and shed, causing the pregnancy to detach and eventually end. Within the first day of taking this drug, you may start to experience some vaginal bleeding, mild cramping, nausea, or fatigue.

The second drug, misoprostol, is typically taken 24 to 48 hours later. It causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through the vagina.

After taking misoprostol, common side effects could include:

  • Cramping
  • Moderate to heavy bleeding
  • Passing blood clots and parts of your pregnancy
  • Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Chills or a low-grade fever for a short time
  • Fatigue

The heaviest bleeding and most intense cramping occur within the first several hours after taking misoprostol.

The Next 48 Hours

During the second day, bleeding and cramping will continue.

You may continue passing blood clots or pregnancy tissue during this time, which can be distressing. It’s also common to feel physically and emotionally drained.

While bleeding is expected, you should seek emergency medical care if you:

  • Soak through two or more full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours
  • Experience severe abdominal pain that isn’t relieved by medication
  • Develop a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher that lasts more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol
  • Notice foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Feel faint, dizzy, or have difficulty breathing

These symptoms may indicate a complication that requires prompt medical evaluation.

What About 72 Hours Later?

By the third day, cramping may lessen and bleeding may become lighter, although some bleeding or spotting may continue for several weeks.

Even if you’re beginning to feel physically better, it’s important to remember that your abortion may not be complete without follow-up care.

A follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider is recommended to confirm that the pregnancy has ended and that no parts of your pregnancy remain in the uterus; if so, this can lead to a potentially life-threatening infection and sepsis.

It’s also important to recognize that emotional responses vary widely. You may feel relief, while others experience sadness, grief, guilt, or conflicting emotions. There is no “right” way to feel, and it’s important to seek support if you’re struggling emotionally after your abortion.

What If I Regret Taking the Abortion Drugs?

If you’ve taken the first abortion drug, mifepristone, and immediately regret your decision, it’s important to act quickly. Some healthcare providers offer a protocol known as abortion pill reversal (APR), which involves administering progesterone after mifepristone and before misoprostol is taken. This option has the highest chance of saving your pregnancy if taken within 72 hours.

We’re Here to Support You

If you’ve taken the abortion drugs and have questions about your health, recovery, or next steps, or if you’re seeking abortion pill reversal, Dove Medical is here for you.

We provide free, confidential follow-up pregnancy services, including limited ultrasounds for qualifying patients, so you can better understand what’s happening with your body after taking the abortion drugs.

If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, we encourage you to seek emergency medical care right away. Once your immediate medical needs have been addressed, our compassionate team is here to answer your questions, provide support, and connect you with additional resources if needed.

Whether you need information, someone to talk to, or help understanding your next steps, you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact Dove Medical today to schedule a confidential appointment. You’re not alone in this. We’re here for you.

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.