What Happens at the Abortion Pill Follow-Up Appointment?
March 15, 2026
Your follow-up appointment at The Center for Women is typically scheduled 1 to 2 weeks after you take the abortion pill. The provider confirms the abortion is complete, usually with an ultrasound, checks on your recovery, and answers any questions. The follow-up visit is included in your $380 cost. This visit is an important part of your care.
What happens at the follow-up appointment?
The follow-up appointment confirms that the abortion is complete and that your body is recovering normally. The provider typically performs an ultrasound to check that the uterus is empty. The visit also gives you a chance to ask questions about your recovery, discuss any symptoms you have experienced, and talk about contraception if you choose.
The follow-up is usually a shorter visit than your initial appointment. Most patients are in and out within 30 to 60 minutes. The provider reviews your symptoms since taking the medications, performs any needed examinations, and makes sure everything looks as expected.
When is the follow-up appointment scheduled?
The follow-up is typically scheduled 1 to 2 weeks after your initial appointment, when you took the first pill (mifepristone). This timing gives your body enough time to complete the process and allows the provider to get a clear picture on the ultrasound.
When you are at your initial visit, the staff will help you schedule your follow-up before you leave. If you need to reschedule, call the clinic at (708) 450-4545.
What does the provider check for?
The provider checks several things at your follow-up:
- Complete abortion: An ultrasound confirms that the pregnancy has passed and the uterus is empty. In 93 to 98% of cases, the abortion pill works completely and no further treatment is needed.
- Signs of infection: The provider looks for any signs of infection, such as unusual discharge, tenderness, or fever.
- Normal recovery: The provider asks about your bleeding patterns, pain levels, and overall well-being since taking the medications.
- Ongoing pregnancy: In the rare case that the abortion was incomplete, the provider will detect this and discuss your options, which may include additional medication or a procedure.
What if the abortion was not complete?
In 93 to 98% of cases, the abortion pill works completely. In the small number of cases where it does not, the provider will identify this at your follow-up visit, usually through the ultrasound.
If the abortion is incomplete, the provider will discuss your options. This may include taking an additional dose of misoprostol to help your body pass the remaining tissue. In some cases, the provider may recommend a procedure at another clinic. The provider will explain each option so you can make an informed decision.
This is one of the key reasons the follow-up visit matters. It catches the rare cases where additional care is needed so they can be addressed promptly.
Why is the follow-up visit important?
The follow-up visit is an essential part of your care, not an optional add-on. Here is why it matters:
- Confirms completion: The only reliable way to confirm the abortion is complete is a medical evaluation. Home pregnancy tests can remain positive for weeks after an abortion due to lingering hormones and are not a substitute for a follow-up visit.
- Catches complications early: Infections or incomplete abortions are much easier to treat when caught early at a follow-up visit.
- Supports your recovery: The provider can address any concerns about ongoing bleeding, pain, or other symptoms.
- Continuity of care: Your follow-up is with the same clinic that provided your initial care, meaning the provider has your full history and context.
Some mail-order or telehealth services skip or minimize the follow-up. At The Center for Women, the follow-up is a core part of the care you receive. It is included in your $380 cost because it is considered essential.
Do not wait for your follow-up appointment if you experience a medical emergency. Go to your nearest emergency room immediately if you have severe bleeding (soaking through 2 or more pads per hour for 2 or more hours), severe pain not relieved by ibuprofen, fever above 100.4°F lasting more than 24 hours, or foul-smelling discharge. These could be signs of a serious complication that needs immediate treatment.
If your pregnancy was not confirmed to be in the uterus by ultrasound, be aware that severe pain — especially on one side of the lower abdomen — along with dizziness, fainting, or shoulder pain could indicate an ectopic pregnancy, which is a life-threatening emergency. Go to your nearest emergency room immediately if you experience these symptoms.
What should I tell the provider at my follow-up?
Be honest and specific about your experience since taking the medications. The provider needs to know:
- How heavy your bleeding has been and whether it is decreasing
- Whether you passed tissue or clots and approximately when
- Any pain you are still experiencing and how severe it is
- Whether you have had any fever, chills, or unusual discharge
- Any other symptoms or concerns you have
There is no wrong answer and nothing to be embarrassed about. This information helps the provider assess your recovery accurately.
How do I schedule my follow-up appointment?
Your follow-up is typically scheduled during your initial visit at The Center for Women. If you need to reschedule or have questions, call the clinic at (708) 450-4545.
The follow-up visit is included in your $380 cost. There is no additional charge. The clinic is located at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available for both your initial visit and your follow-up.
Is the follow-up appointment included in the cost?
Yes. The follow-up visit is included in the $380 total cost. There is no additional charge for the follow-up appointment.
Can I skip the follow-up appointment?
The follow-up is strongly recommended. It is the only reliable way to confirm the abortion is complete. Home pregnancy tests are not accurate for this purpose because they can remain positive for weeks due to lingering pregnancy hormones. The follow-up also allows the provider to catch and treat any rare complications early.
What if I feel fine after taking the abortion pill?
Even if you feel fine, the follow-up is still important. Some conditions, like an incomplete abortion or a developing infection, may not have obvious symptoms in the early stages. The ultrasound and examination at your follow-up provide information that you cannot assess on your own.
Can I do the follow-up by phone?
In most cases, the follow-up involves an ultrasound to confirm the abortion is complete, which requires an in-person visit. If you have specific circumstances, such as traveling from out of state, discuss your options with the provider at your initial appointment.
What if I am still bleeding at my follow-up?
Some light bleeding or spotting at the 1 to 2 week follow-up is normal. The provider will assess whether your bleeding pattern is within the expected range. Bleeding can continue for up to 4 to 6 weeks after the abortion pill, with the heaviest bleeding occurring in the first few days.
Can I discuss birth control at my follow-up?
Yes. The follow-up appointment is a good time to discuss contraception options if you are interested. You can become pregnant again as soon as 2 weeks after the abortion pill, so it is a good topic to bring up if preventing pregnancy is a priority for you.
How is an in-person follow-up different from mail-order services?
Mail-order and some telehealth services may rely on home pregnancy tests or phone check-ins for follow-up, which are less accurate than an in-person ultrasound. At The Center for Women, your follow-up includes a physical examination and ultrasound with the same provider who provided your initial care, giving you a higher level of certainty that the process is complete.
