How Does the Abortion Pill Work?

The abortion pill is a two-medicine process used to end an early pregnancy. It is FDA-approved and has been used safely in the United States for over 20 years. The first medicine, mifepristone, stops the pregnancy from growing, and the second, misoprostol, causes the uterus to empty.

The abortion pill can be used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, counted from the first day of your last menstrual period. At The Center for Women, the doctor confirms how far along you are with an ultrasound before prescribing the pills.

The first pill is mifepristone, and it blocks a hormone called progesterone that your body needs to keep the pregnancy going. Without progesterone, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the pregnancy cannot continue.

You take mifepristone at the clinic during your appointment, swallowing it with water while you are there. Most patients do not feel any different after this first pill. Some have light nausea or spotting, but stronger symptoms are uncommon at this stage.

The second medicine is misoprostol, which you take at home 24 to 48 hours after mifepristone. It causes the uterus to contract and pass the pregnancy, much like an early miscarriage.

You place four misoprostol tablets between your gums and cheeks (two on each side) and let them dissolve for 30 minutes, then swallow any remaining pieces with water. Most patients begin to feel cramping and bleeding within 1 to 4 hours of taking misoprostol.

The cramping may be stronger than a typical period. Over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen (600 to 800 mg) can help, and so can a heating pad on your lower belly.

The abortion pill is 93 to 98% effective when used up to 10 weeks of pregnancy, and it works best the earlier it is used. At 7 weeks or less, the success rate is about 98%. Between 7 and 9 weeks it is about 96%, and between 9 and 10 weeks it is about 93%.

In the small number of cases where the abortion pill does not completely end the pregnancy, the doctor will go over your choices at your follow-up visit, which may include taking more medicine or considering other options.

After taking misoprostol, you will bleed and cramp as your body passes the pregnancy. The bleeding is usually heavier than a normal period and may include blood clots, which is a normal part of the process.

The heaviest bleeding and cramping usually last 3 to 5 hours, and after that the bleeding slowly eases. Light bleeding or spotting can continue for up to 4 to 6 weeks, though most patients see it taper off within 2 to 3 weeks.

You may also have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a mild fever, or chills. These side effects are temporary and usually go away within 24 hours. The doctor at The Center for Women will explain what to expect and give you clear instructions for managing symptoms at home.

Most patients finish the abortion pill process at home without problems, but you should call the clinic or seek medical care if you notice any of the following:

• Soaking through 2 or more thick pads per hour for 2 or more hours in a row
• Fever above 100.4°F that lasts more than 24 hours
• Severe belly pain that ibuprofen does not relieve
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
• No bleeding within 24 hours of taking misoprostol

The Center for Women has a 24-hour phone line, so you can reach the clinic with questions or concerns at any time during the process.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule your appointment. The cost is $380 and includes your doctor visit, ultrasound, both medicines, and your follow-up appointment.

Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available. The clinic is at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154.