The abortion pill causes cramping and bleeding that can last several hours or more. You can be at home, or wherever is comfortable for you. We recommend you have someone you trust with you to support you and assist in the rare event of a complication. Plan on taking it easy for the day.

What do I need to do before I take the abortion pill?

Her Safe Harbor will provide written instructions on how to take your pills. You will have access to a caring professional through the process — you’ll get a number you can call 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.

You’ll have a lot of bleeding and cramping after you take misoprostol (the second medication) so plan ahead to make the process more comfortable. You can be at home, or wherever is comfortable for you to rest. We recommend that you have someone you trust with you (or nearby) that you can call if you need anything. The abortion process takes several hours, so try to clear your schedule for the day and just focus on caring for yourself if you can.

Stock up on maxi pads, a heating pad, food, books, movies, or whatever you like to help pass the time. Her Safe Harbor includes free Zofran for nausea and Ibuprofen for pain — but don’t take aspirin because it can make you bleed more.

What happens during a medication abortion?

The abortion pill process has several steps and usually includes 2 different medicines: mifepristone and misoprostol. You can also have an abortion using only misoprostol.

First, you take mifepristone. This pill stops the pregnancy from growing. Most people don’t feel anything after taking the mifepristone.

The second medicine is misoprostol. You’ll either take the misoprostol right away, or up to 48 hours after you take the first pill — your doctor or nurse will let you know how and when to take it. This medicine causes cramping and bleeding that empties your uterus. The pregnancy tissue will come out through your vagina. The process is very similar to an early miscarriage.

You can take pain medicine like ibuprofen about 30 minutes before you take the misoprostol to help with cramps. Don’t take aspirin, because it can make you bleed more. You can also take anti-nausea medicine if your doctor or nurse gives it to you to help with side effects.

You can expect the cramping and bleeding to start 1-4 hours after taking the misoprostol. It’s normal to see large blood clots (up to the size of a lemon) or clumps of tissue during the abortion. But the pregnancy itself is very small — at 8 weeks, an embryo is about ¼ to ½ inch long. You may not see it when it comes out, especially if you’re less than 8 weeks pregnant.

The cramping and bleeding can last for several hours. Most people finish passing the pregnancy tissue in 4-5 hours, but it may take longer. The cramping and bleeding slows down after the pregnancy tissue comes out. You may have cramps on and off for 1 or 2 more days.

It’s normal to have some bleeding and spotting for several weeks after your abortion. You can use pads, tampons are not recommended for the first 3 days of bleeding.

In the unlikely case that the abortion doesn't work and you're concerned you may still be pregnant, your provider at Her Safe Harbor will work with you to plan your next steps. You may need another dose of medicine or to have an in-clinic procedure to complete the abortion. If you have any questions or concerns during or after your abortion, Her Safe Harbor can help you, reach out anytime.

How does a medication abortion feel?

For most people, medication abortion feels like having an early miscarriage. You might have:

• lots of cramping and aches in your belly

• very heavy bleeding with large clots (If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after using the second medicine, misoprostol, call your nurse or doctor.)

• an upset stomach and vomiting (Your doctor or nurse may give you medicine to help with nausea.)

• diarrhea

• dizziness

• tiredness

• mild fever (99-100° F) or chills on the day you take misoprostol.

If you have a fever after the day you take the misoprostol pills, contact Her Safe Harbor or call your doctor or health center right away — it could be a sign that you’re getting an infection.

To help ease pain and make you more comfortable, you can:

• Take pain medication like ibuprofen(Advil or Motrin) included free with your abortion medicine. Don’t take aspirin because it can make your bleeding worse.

• Take anti-nausea medicine. Two Zofran 8mg tablets are included free with your abortion medicine.

• Put a heating pad or hot water bottle on your belly.

• Take a shower.

• Sit on the toilet.

• Have someone rub your back.