After abortion pill: symptoms & common questions

If the past few years have shown us anything, it’s that self-care is super important. That’s probably why we’re seeing more and more questions online and in our DM’s about how to care for yourself, a close friend, or a partner after an abortion or during an abortion at home. If you’re not sure what to expect or how to support yourself, or your friend, we got you.

First things first: you are not alone. Abortion is a normal, common medical procedure. According to our friends at the Guttmacher Institute, over 860,000 people in the US chose to have an abortion in 2017, either through the abortion pill or an abortion procedure. According to 2014 abortion rates, one in four people with uteruses will have an abortion by the time they are 45. So please know that you are not alone. Think about four people with uteruses you know. One of them may have had or will have an abortion.

Symptoms to expect after taking the abortion pill

To start, the most important thing to keep in mind is that the abortion pill is very safe and effective. Here are some of the things you can expect after taking the abortion pill. If you recently had an abortion and are concerned about any of these post-abortion effects being outside of the normal range, please give us a call at (855) SAY-CARA.

Bleeding and spotting

Everyone’s body and their experiences are unique and just like having your period, the bleeding and cramping can ebb and flow and is different for everyone. After an abortion, most people will see bleeding off and on for a while. After using the abortion pill, the heaviest bleeding happens on the day misoprostol is used, but it is not unusual to see bleeding off and on for the next several weeks. It's also normal for some people to bleed very little the day after the actual abortion. We suggest using a pad when bleeding is heavy, just so you can track how much you’re bleeding. Using a tampon or menstrual cup is safe to use as soon as you feel ready. If your bleeding becomes heavy enough to soak through 2 pads in less than an hour for 2 hours or more, or if blood clots are bigger than a lemon, call us at (855) SAY-CARA.

Cramping and pain

Cramping pain often decreases with bleeding but can come back and be off and on up until your first post-abortion period. The best pain reliever after an abortion is ibuprofen. A heating pad or hot water bottle can help a lot. If you have pain that is severe and sustained, please give us a call or contact your provider for advice.

Nausea

Most people experience relief from nausea very quickly after an abortion, often as soon as within hours. If you have some lingering nausea or other stomach issues, many find that drinking herbal tea or ginger ale or even chewing a small piece of ginger candy can help.

Breast tenderness

Breast tenderness is often the last pregnancy symptom to go away. Ibuprofen, ice packs, and wearing a snug-fitting bra can help. Some people may have some fluid leaking from their breasts after an abortion. It’s completely normal and will go away within a few days. Try to avoid touching or massaging your breasts as that can actually prolong this symptom.

Use medicines as prescribed and attend follow up appointments

It goes without saying but always follow the treatment plan your provider shared with you or your loved one. Make sure you understand your post-abortion care instructions and when to use your medications so your experience can be as pain-free and easy as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, you can always call us at (855) SAY-CARA.

Don't forget self-care during your abortion at home

Now that you know some of the symptoms you might experience, here are some tips for how to take care of yourself, or someone you care about after an abortion. During the actual abortion process is when the strongest physical effects can occur but some of these symptoms happen after the fact for both abortion pills and in-office abortion procedures. If you are supporting a friend during or after an abortion, remember to listen and let them tell you what they want or need.

Get cozy

Most people choose to wear loose, comfortable clothing, and warm socks during and after their abortion. The abortion pill can cause chills so a soft, fuzzy, warm blanket can feel nice. A heating pad or hot water bottle is one of the best ways to soothe cramping – they can make a great gift too and you can even make your own. Here’s an easy tutorial with 3 different ways to make a homemade heat pad. For some, the abortion pill can cause both chills and hot sweats, so you might keep an ice pack and a heating pad nearby and alternate between the two as needed.

It’s also a good idea to stay hydrated so keep a water bottle close and refill it often. If experiencing nausea, herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, or chamomile can help settle an upset stomach. Not a tea drinker? Ginger ale works great too! You can also try chewing on a small piece of raw ginger or sucking on ginger candy.

Assorted small snacks that are easy to nibble on are nice to have around. When it comes to eating, stick with salty or sweet things, instead of anything greasy or spicy. Pro tip: make sure you, or your friend, have some of these things ready before having the abortion so you are extra prepared and don't have to run any errands.

Massage and heat therapy

Take this time to treat yourself to some self-care. Back and shoulder massage can do wonders to release tensions and improve circulation. If you aren’t up for a massage right away, that's ok! Just keep it in mind because it could be a good option a few days after your abortion to help you to relax and soothe your body. Even if professional massage is not for you, some light massage on your stomach, hips, and back can help relieve lingering cramps and pain. Essential oils are also a nice way to indulge your senses and improve your breathing, which can help with relaxation. Many people find the smell of lavender relaxing and peppermint can help with tension and nausea. Alternatively, drawing a nice hot bath and sipping some tea is a great way to unwind.

Care for your mood and get back to normal

Like we said above, it’s okay to feel relieved after having an abortion. It’s also okay to feel any other way. No matter what you feel, be sure to give yourself time and space to process your feelings and know all your emotions are valid. Sometimes talking about your abortion can be a helpful form of self-care. If you have a supportive friend, family member, or partner that you trust – reach out to them and let them know how you are feeling. Or, if you want to talk, but aren’t ready to do so with friends and family, Exhale or All-Options are two great confidential options. And, as always, you can give us a call at (855) SAY-CARA if you want to speak to a clinician.

Give yourself unconditional, non-judgmental love and support

Most importantly, offer unconditional, non-judgmental love and support to yourself or your friend. That can take a lot of different forms, so take the time to listen to yourself or your loved one. And remember, all feelings are valid whether they are happy, sad, angry, thankful, or anything in between...or even all of them at once. Be gentle with yourself and try to leave plenty of room and space to just react and breathe. This is a unique experience for everyone so what you feel and how you process it is unique, normal, and ok. We're here for you if you need anything.