Can I Drive Myself Home After Taking the Abortion Pill?

Yes. Most patients drive themselves to and from their abortion pill appointment without any problems. The first pill, mifepristone, is taken at the clinic during your visit, and it works by blocking progesterone, a hormone the pregnancy needs to continue. It does not cause cramping or bleeding right away.

Most patients feel completely normal after taking mifepristone. A few feel mild nausea, but it is usually not strong enough to affect your driving, so you do not need someone to pick you up from the clinic.

Your appointment at The Center for Women usually takes about an hour, which covers meeting the doctor, having an ultrasound, and getting your pills. After your visit you can drive home, go back to work, or go about your day.

Symptoms start after the second set of pills, misoprostol, which you take at home 24 to 48 hours after your clinic visit. Misoprostol makes the uterus contract and pass the pregnancy, and most patients feel cramping and bleeding within 1 to 4 hours of taking it.

Because you take misoprostol at home on your own schedule, you can plan to be somewhere comfortable when symptoms begin. Many patients take it in the evening or on a day with nothing else planned. Do not plan to drive or be away from home during this time.

Cramping can range from moderate to strong and usually lasts several hours, and the bleeding will be heavier than a normal period. Most patients feel well enough to get back to normal activities within 24 hours after passing the pregnancy.

If you are driving to Westchester from another state, you can safely make the drive home after your appointment. The first pill does not cause symptoms that would get in the way of driving, and many patients travel several hours to reach The Center for Women and drive home the same day.

Plan your misoprostol timing around your travel. The doctor will tell you to take it 24 to 48 hours after your appointment, so even with a long drive you will be home well before it is time for the second set of pills. Take misoprostol once you are home or somewhere comfortable and private.

If you want to stay overnight near the clinic, that is a personal choice based on your travel distance and schedule, not something you need to do for medical reasons.

No. You do not need to bring anyone to your appointment. Many patients come alone, and the clinic staff will take care of you throughout your visit. There is no medical reason to have someone drive you home after taking mifepristone.

That said, some patients like to bring a trusted friend or family member for support, and that is entirely up to you. Anyone who comes with you is welcome to wait in the waiting area during your appointment.

When you take misoprostol at home later, having someone nearby to bring you water, a heating pad, or snacks can be helpful, but that is a comfort choice rather than a medical need.

Before you take misoprostol at home, gather a few items so you can stay comfortable. You will want a heating pad for cramps, ibuprofen (the doctor will give you exact dosing instructions), maxi pads (not tampons), and water and light snacks.

Plan to stay home for at least 4 to 6 hours after taking misoprostol, because that is when the cramping and heavy bleeding happen as the pregnancy passes. Have a comfortable spot ready where you can rest, like a bed or couch with towels nearby.

The clinic will give you detailed aftercare instructions and a phone number to call with questions or concerns, and you will have a follow-up appointment to confirm the abortion is complete.

Yes. Many patients go to work before or after their clinic appointment on the day they take mifepristone, because the first pill rarely causes symptoms.

On the day you take misoprostol at home, plan to take time off work or pick a day off, since you will need several hours of rest while your body passes the pregnancy. Most patients feel well enough to go back to work or school the next day, though lighter bleeding and mild cramping can continue for up to 2 weeks.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule your appointment. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available. The cost is $380, which covers your appointment, ultrasound, all medicines, and your follow-up visit.

The Center for Women is at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154. Free parking is available on site, and you can drive yourself to and from the appointment.