What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?

If you are considering the abortion pill, it’s important to understand how it works and what you may experience during the process. The abortion pill is actually a two-step medical procedure, and while it may seem simple, it comes with known side effects that can impact your body and health.

Before making a decision, the best next step is to confirm your pregnancy details with testing and an ultrasound. At Agape Women’s Clinic, we provide these services at no cost to help you move forward with clarity. Schedule your free and confidential appointment today.

How the Abortion Pill Works

The abortion pill, also called a medical abortion, is FDA-approved through the first 10 weeks of pregnancy. It involves two medications:

• Mifepristone, which blocks the necessary hormone progesterone, is used to terminate the pregnancy.
  
  
• Misoprostol, taken about 24–48 hours later, causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy through strong abdominal cramping and vaginal bleeding.
  
  

This process typically takes place at home over several hours or days, which means women are responsible for monitoring their own symptoms and deciding whether they need emergency care.

Common Side Effects

Because misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping are guaranteed side effects. Other common side effects include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Upset stomach

Some women also pass blood clots during the process. Providers consider clots up to the size of a lemon to be normal, though this can still be physically and emotionally difficult.

Possible Risks

In addition to side effects, there are potential risks. These may include incomplete abortion (when tissue remains in the uterus), infection, heavy bleeding, fever, and digestive system discomfort. Because of these risks, follow-up care is important to ensure the procedure is complete and there is no infection.

Visit Agape Women’s Clinic

It’s essential to confirm your pregnancy and learn about your unique health details before making a decision. 

At Agape Women’s Clinic in Round Rock, we provide lab-quality pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and more. Book your appointment today to get the answers and support you need.

FAQs

Will the abortion pill feel like a heavy period?

Some abortion providers describe it that way, but this can be misleading because some women report more intense pain and heavier bleeding than a typical period.

How long will side effects last?

Vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping may last for days, while lighter bleeding or spotting can continue for up to two weeks or more.

Why do I need an ultrasound before taking the abortion pill?

An ultrasound confirms how far along you are, checks that the pregnancy is in the uterus, and checks for a heartbeat. It helps rule out miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy, which the abortion pill cannot treat.