Every woman’s abortion experience is unique. No one can predict how your body will respond to the drugs used in the abortion pill regimen, so it’s crucial to pay attention to your symptoms.
You can expect bleeding and cramping, but how do you know if your symptoms are typical or it’s time to seek emergency care? At LaVie, we want to protect your health and safety.
If you’re considering using the abortion pill method for your unexpected pregnancy, get a free and confidential pre-abortion screening at LaVie Health first. Continue reading to learn what symptoms could prompt a visit to an ER after taking the abortion pill.
Pay Attention to the Following Symptoms
Experts suggest contacting your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:
No Bleeding 24 Hours After Taking Misoprostol
The abortion pill regimen uses two drugs to end a pregnancy. The first drug, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone. All pregnancies need progesterone to develop. Without it, the pregnancy cannot survive.
The second drug, misoprostol, causes bleeding and contractions. Bleeding is a sign that the pills are working. Not bleeding could be a sign that you have an ectopic pregnancy, which means the location of the pregnancy is outside the uterus. Contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Severe Bleeding
How far along you are in your pregnancy could determine how much you bleed. The bleeding may be light if you are very early (6 weeks or fewer).
Heavy bleeding is expected, but there are signs that you are bleeding too much. For instance, if you soak through 2 or more pads per hour for 2 hours in a row, pass clots larger than a lemon, or feel lightheaded or dizzy, it is time to seek medical care.
Signs of an Infection
Signs of an infection include a fever over 100.4°F for more than 4 hours. You may also feel chills or body aches, severe abdominal pain or lower back pain that isn’t relieved with painkillers, a fast heart rate, or a foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
Infection can be caused by retained products of conception, meaning the body doesn’t expel the pregnancy and tissue completely.
No Period After Two Months or Symptoms of Pregnancy
If your period doesn’t start after 8 weeks or you still have pregnancy symptoms, the abortion may not have been successful. You should follow up with your healthcare provider and take an additional pregnancy test.
How Can LaVie Health Assist Me?
Choosing to have an abortion is a deeply personal decision. Often, women decide not to discuss their experience with others. However, seeking medical care for any of the above symptoms is critical.
If you have had an abortion and are struggling emotionally with your decision, we are here for you. Many women express feelings of guilt, loss, anxiety, and depression after an abortion. We can help you. Visit LaVie for post-abortion care.
If you have questions about the abortion pill, are concerned about symptoms, or need to talk with someone about your emotional health, schedule an appointment with LaVie Health. We are a safe, judgment-free space to talk through your concerns.
You don’t have to go through this alone.
LaVie Health does not perform or refer for abortion.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.
