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. Plan on taking it easy for the day.

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

Before you take the abortion pill, you’ll meet with your nurse, doctor, or health centre staff to talk about whether abortion is the right decision for you, and what your abortion options are. You’ll get an exam and lab tests, and you may get an ultrasound to figure out how far into your pregnancy you are.

Your nurse or doctor will let you know if there’s anything else you need to do to prepare for your abortion. They’ll give you 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.

What happens during a medication abortion?

The abortion pill process has several steps and includes two different medicines.

First, you take a pill called mifepristone. This medicine stops the pregnancy from growing.  Some people feel nauseous or start bleeding after taking mifepristone, but it’s not common. Your doctor or nurse may also give you antibiotics to take to prevent infection.

The second medicine is called 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 to empty your uterus.

For most people, the cramping and bleeding usually 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 when this is happening. It’s kind of like having a really heavy, crampy period, and the process is very similar to an early miscarriage. (If you don’t have any bleeding within 24 hours after taking the second medicine, misoprostol, call your nurse or doctor.

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 taking 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.)
• diarrhoea
• dizziness
• tiredness
• mild fever (99-100° F) or chills on the day you take the misoprostol (If you have a fever after the day you take the misoprostol pills, call your doctor or health centre right away.)