After you’ve taken the abortion pill, a follow-up appointment with your doctor is typically recommended to ensure you have not had an incomplete abortion and you are no longer pregnant.
You should be on the lookout for any serious signs that indicate you are having complications after taking the abortion pill. If you experience any signs of infection or heavy bleeding, you should contact your healthcare provider right away.
Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center is here to provide you with compassionate post-abortion support if you are also struggling emotionally after an abortion.
Reach out to Maryellen (maryellen@turlockphc.com) for more information. You are not alone.
What Happens After Taking The Abortion Pill
It’s important to understand how the abortion pill works so you can identify normal side effects and warning signs.
The abortion pill consists of two drugs: the first is mifepristone, which works by blocking progesterone, the hormone needed for pregnancy. The second drug is called misoprostol and triggers cramps and bleeding to expel the pregnancy from the uterus.
A follow-up appointment after a medication abortion is necessary to ensure the process is complete. This may include a pregnancy test and an ultrasound. An incomplete abortion is a risk of medication abortion and causes complications if not treated quickly.
The common side effects of the abortion pill include:
- Bleeding and cramping.
- A short-lasting fever.
- Feeling tired, nauseated, or dizzy.
- Upset stomach or diarrhea.
Signs You May Need a Follow-Up Appointment
Even if a routine follow-up has been scheduled, you should contact your healthcare provider sooner if you experience any of the following warning signs:
- Bad pain in the stomach area or pelvis
- Heavy bleeding where you are soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row
- Chills or body aches
- Fast heart rate
- A fever that lasts more than four hours or that starts in the days after you take misoprostol.
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- You are still experiencing ongoing pregnancy symptoms.
Many of these warning signs need immediate medical attention since they indicate the possibility of an infection. Complications can occur if infections are not treated quickly, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, sepsis, and anemia.
Seek Post-Abortion Support at Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center
If you start to experience any of the warning signs above, it’s important to seek prompt medical attention and attend your routine follow-up appointment if scheduled.
Although we spoke mainly about the physical signs, you also need to pay attention to how you feel emotionally. If you are struggling with your emotions or are feeling depressed, then you may also need to seek support.
Turlock Pregnancy and Health Center doesn’t just provide free pregnancy services such as pregnancy testing and ultrasounds, we also offer a free, confidential, post-abortion support group.
We are here to listen and support you.
Reach out to Maryellen (maryellen@turlockphc.com) for more information about our support group.