What Happens at the Abortion Pill Follow-Up Appointment?

The follow-up confirms that the abortion is complete and that your body is healing well. The doctor usually does an ultrasound to check that the uterus is empty. The visit is also your chance to ask questions, talk through any symptoms you have had, and discuss birth control if you want to.

The follow-up is usually shorter than your first appointment, and most patients are in and out in 30 to 60 minutes. The doctor asks how you have felt since you took the medicines, does any needed exams, and makes sure everything looks right.

The follow-up usually happens 1 to 2 weeks after your first appointment, when you took the first pill (mifepristone). That gap gives your body time to finish the process and gives the doctor a clear picture on the ultrasound.

The staff will help you set your follow-up before you leave your first visit. If you need to change it, call the clinic at (708) 450-4545.

The doctor 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 fully and no more treatment is needed.
• Signs of infection: The doctor looks for warning signs such as unusual discharge, tenderness, or fever.
• Normal recovery: The doctor asks about your bleeding, your pain, and how you have felt since taking the medicines.
• Ongoing pregnancy: In the rare case that the abortion was not complete, the doctor will find it and go over your options, which may include more medicine or a procedure.

In 93 to 98% of cases, the abortion pill works fully. In the few cases where it does not, the doctor will find this at your follow-up visit, usually on the ultrasound.

If the abortion is not complete, the doctor will go over your options with you. One option may be an extra dose of misoprostol to help your body pass the rest of the tissue. In some cases the doctor may suggest a procedure at another clinic, and they will explain each choice so you can decide what is right for you.

This is a main reason the follow-up visit matters, because it catches the rare cases where more care is needed so they can be treated fast.

The follow-up visit is a key part of your care. It is the only sure way to confirm the abortion is complete, because home pregnancy tests can stay positive for weeks due to leftover pregnancy hormones. The visit also catches rare problems early, like an infection or an incomplete abortion, when they are much easier to treat.

The doctor can also help with any worries about ongoing bleeding, pain, or other symptoms. And because your follow-up is at the same clinic that gave your first care, the doctor knows your full history.

Some mail-order or telehealth services skip the follow-up or cut it short. At The Center for Women, the follow-up is a core part of your care, and it is included in your $380 cost because it is seen as essential.

Do not wait for your follow-up appointment if you have a medical emergency. Go to your nearest emergency room right away if you have severe bleeding (soaking through 2 or more pads per hour for 2 or more hours) or severe pain that ibuprofen does not relieve. Do the same for a fever above 100.4°F lasting more than 24 hours, or foul-smelling discharge. These could be signs of a serious problem that needs care right away.

If an ultrasound did not confirm your pregnancy is in the uterus, watch for severe pain, especially on one side of the lower belly, along with dizziness, fainting, or shoulder pain. These could point to an ectopic pregnancy, a pregnancy outside the uterus, which is a life-threatening emergency. If you have these symptoms, go to your nearest emergency room right away.

Be honest and specific about what you have felt since taking the medicines. The doctor needs to know:

• How heavy your bleeding has been and whether it is slowing down
• Whether you passed tissue or clots, and about when
• Any pain you still have and how strong it is
• Any fever, chills, or unusual discharge
• Any other symptoms or concerns you have

There is no wrong answer and nothing to be embarrassed about, because these details help the doctor judge how well you are healing.

Your follow-up is usually set during your first visit at The Center for Women. If you need to change it or have questions, call the clinic at (708) 450-4545.

The follow-up visit is included in your $380 cost, with no extra charge. The clinic is at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available for both your first visit and your follow-up.