If you’ve taken the abortion pill, you can expect bleeding and cramping. However, certain warning signs go beyond the usual side effects and may indicate a medical emergency. Recognizing these signs is critical to protecting your health.
Keep reading to learn what signs to look for that would warrant an emergency room visit.
Understanding the Abortion Pill Process
First, know that the abortion pill typically consists of two drugs. The first drug, mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain pregnancy. The second drug, misoprostol, triggers contractions to empty the uterus.
In addition to the expected bleeding and cramping, specific side effects can occur, including nausea, diarrhea, and headache. However, the following warning signs require immediate medical attention.
Heavy Bleeding
Bleeding is part of the abortion pill process, but very heavy bleeding is not normal. Soaking through two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row may indicate excessive blood loss. This type of bleeding can be dangerous and requires emergency medical attention.
Severe Abdominal or Back Pain
Cramping is expected after taking the abortion pill, but if your pain becomes sharp, severe, or continues to worsen without relief from pain medication, this may point to a complication. Issues such as an incomplete abortion can create dangerous situations if not treated quickly.
Fever
It’s common to feel tired or achy during the process, but a fever that lasts longer than four hours or that starts in the days after taking misoprostol can signal infection. Post-abortion infections can escalate quickly, making it critical to seek immediate medical attention.
Foul-Smelling Vaginal Discharge
Any unusual odor or strong-smelling discharge after taking the abortion pill may indicate an infection. Ignoring these symptoms can allow the infection to spread, leading to more serious health concerns.
Weakness, Dizziness, or Fainting
Feeling unusually weak, lightheaded, or fainting may be a sign of major blood loss or infection. These symptoms should never be dismissed and should prompt an urgent trip to the emergency room.
Why Follow-Up Care Is Essential
Even if you don’t experience emergency warning signs, follow-up care is important after taking the abortion pill. An ultrasound can confirm whether the abortion is complete and detect complications such as retained pregnancy tissue or ectopic pregnancy. Skipping this step can put your health at risk.
Support at True Care
At True Care Women’s Resource Center, we provide no-cost, confidential services to women facing an unplanned pregnancy. We help you understand your body and prioritize your health. Request your appointment today to take the next step toward clarity.
We know that your situation may feel overwhelming. If you are having any signs of complications from your abortion, it is important that you seek care from the emergency room or OB doctor. Be sure to tell them what medication you took so they can help with the appropriate care. If you haven’t yet taken the abortion pill and are not sure about what to do with your pregnancy, we offer a confidential space to talk through your questions and concerns with a caring team.
Schedule your no-cost, confidential appointment today to get answers and learn how to safeguard your health.
FAQ:
Is heavy bleeding always dangerous?
Bleeding is an expected part of taking abortion drugs, but soaking through two or more pads per hour for two hours is a clear sign that you should go to the ER.
Why is severe pain concerning?
Cramping should ease with time and medication. Sharp or worsening pain can signal a complication, such as an incomplete abortion or other complications that require treatment.
What about fever—why is it so serious?
A fever lasting more than four hours after misoprostol can mean infection, which may become life-threatening without medical care.
Does True Care provide abortions?
No. True Care Women’s Resource Center does not provide or refer for abortions. We offer confidential information to help you make educated decisions, prioritizing your future and well-being.
Is abortion legal in Wyoming?
Yes. Abortion is currently legal in Wyoming due to a temporary court injunction blocking the state’s abortion ban. However, if you are still weighing your pregnancy options, gaining factual information on each and addressing your questions and concerns is critical.
All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.