If concerning signs and symptoms appear after taking the abortion pill, knowing when you need urgent or emergency care is crucial for protecting your health and future fertility.
We’ll cover the exact signs you need to know about below.
If you haven’t yet taken the abortion pill and are exploring your options, Albemarle PRCC is the place to confirm your pregnancy, receive information, and learn about all the support available to you during pregnancy and beyond.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment to discuss your situation and receive important pregnancy confirmation services today.
What Is the Abortion Pill?
The abortion pill, also known as a medical abortion, is actually two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, taken to end a pregnancy during the first ten weeks or 70 days of pregnancy.
After taking the second drug, misoprostol, abdominal cramping and heavy vaginal bleeding will begin to expel the pregnancy tissue from the body. Some women also experience a headache, nausea, diarrhea, chills, and upset stomach.
This process usually takes hours to empty the uterus, but the signs and symptoms should begin to improve over time.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
If your symptoms become more intense, last longer than expected, or are accompanied by other concerning changes, call your medical provider.
Some symptoms may point to complications and should not be ignored. Seek immediate medical care or visit the emergency room right away if you experience:
- Heavy bleeding, such as soaking two or more pads within an hour for two hours in a row
- Severe pain in the stomach area or pelvis
- A fever lasting more than four hours or a fever that begins days after taking misoprostol
- Chills or body aches
- Fast heart rate
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention include dizziness, blurred vision, seizures, swelling, shakiness, unusual weakness, slurred speech, or confusion.
Some complications can escalate quickly or even become life-threatening. Severe bleeding and serious infection have been reported after taking the abortion pill, and in some cases, women have needed blood transfusions or treatment for severe infection.
If you are unsure whether your symptoms are serious, it is safer to get medical care than to wait and hope they pass.
Confidential Pregnancy Support in a Safe Space
Albemarle PRCC is here to answer any questions you may have, explain your options, or discuss any non-emergency pregnancy concerns.
We also offer pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, STI testing, education, and support. We’re here to help.
If you just took the abortion pill and now have second thoughts, contact us to see if abortion pill reversal is a possibility. Time is of the essence with this procedure, so reach out as soon as you can, or call the 24/7 Abortion Pill Reversal Helpline at (877) 558-0333.
