If you are thinking about taking the abortion pill in Savannah, you probably are wondering what to expect after you take it. Educating yourself on something that can affect your body is a good first step! Any procedure or medication has potential side effects. It is important for you to understand the possible complications so you can make an informed decision.
Here is what you can expect after taking the abortion pill and what the possible abortion pill’s side effects are.
What are each abortion pill’s side effects?
The abortion pill, also referred to as a chemical abortion, is a combination of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Each medication has a specific role in the abortion process and can bring about its own side effects and risks.
What to expect after taking Mifepristone:
Mifepristone is what ends your pregnancy by blocking your body’s production of progesterone (the hormone that grows and sustains the pregnancy).
Common side effects that occur within 2 to 24 hours of taking the medication include:
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Uterine cramping
- Back pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Headache
What to expect after taking Misoprostol:
Misoprostol is taken 24 to 48 hours after mifepristone. This drug softens and dilates the cervix, causes the uterus to contract, and prepares the body to expel the pregnancy.
This drug will cause intense cramping and heavy bleeding. Cramping and bleeding vary from woman to woman, but typically the most intense pain and heavy bleeding lasts for several hours as the pregnancy passes from the uterus. During this time, you will pass blood clots, some up to the size of a lemon. After the abortion is complete, bleeding can last up to 4 weeks.
Common side effects that begin 1 to 4 hours after taking the medication include:
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Passing large blood clots and pregnancy tissue
Other more serious side effects from the abortion pill include:
- Incomplete abortion
- Heavy bleeding that may require surgery or hospitalization
- Blood clots in uterus
- Serious infection
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
Are there any mental and emotional side effects of the abortion pill?
Many women feel different emotions after having an abortion. Some feel relief, while some feel deep sadness. Emotional and mental side effects can be immediate or appear later as time passes.
Common mental side effects include:
- Relationship problems
- Substance abuse
- Depression and anxiety
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- Complicated grief
- PTSD symptoms
- Anger
- Shame and guilt
- Sleep problems and bad dreams
- Avoiding and distracting yourself
- Feelings of hopelessness or emptiness
- Negative feelings about yourself and others
Having a previous history of mental health problems or experiencing a sense of isolation may indicate a higher risk of depression after taking the abortion pill.
If you are experiencing emotions that are not typical for you, contact a medical health provider as soon as possible. Thrive Savannah is a safe and confidential place for you to process your emotions after an abortion and find support from women who understand. Get support today.
Are there long-term side effects of the abortion pill?
The abortion pill has a complication rate four times higher than a surgical abortion, and as many as 1 in 5 women will suffer a complication.
While the abortion pill has not been studied enough to be directly linked to long-term side effects, it has been linked to future pregnancy complications. These may include:
- Miscarriage or pregnancy loss
- Mental health disorders (generally secondary as a result of emotional stress)
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight
- Pregnancy loss
- Increased risk for breast cancer
- Increased risk for ectopic pregnancy
Generally, complication risks increase with gestational age.
What should I do if my side effects persist?
If you are bleeding through more than 2 regular-sized sanitary pads per hour for more than two hours, run a fever over 100.4 F, have vaginal discharge with a foul odor, increasing abdominal pain, or are passing blood clots the size of a lemon, call your nearest emergency room.
It is important to be honest about any medication you have taken in order for the emergency room staff to treat you properly. There is no mandatory reporting or legal consequences in Georgia for women who have taken the abortion pill or had an abortion.
If you are experiencing any emotional effects of abortion, it’s a good idea to talk to a medical professional as soon as possible.
Where can I learn more about the abortion pill?
We want to provide you with real answers. Learn more about the abortion pill and what pregnancy option is right for you at Thrive Savannah. You deserve to make an educated decision about what is best for you. We provide free and medically accurate information on abortion but do not refer for or perform abortions.