What Are at-Home Abortions Really Like?

What Are at-Home Abortions Really Like?

If you're considering the abortion pill, you've probably already read the basics.

You know it involves medication. You know there will likely be cramping and bleeding. But you may have questions that aren't so easy to answer:

  • How much will it hurt?
  • How long will it take?
  • Will I know what I'm seeing?
  • Should I go through it alone?
  • What happens if something doesn't seem right?

Those are important questions, and the truth is, every woman's experience can be different.

Here's what you should know about what commonly happens during an at-home medication abortion.

 

Have questions about the abortion pill or your pregnancy? Text our nurse advocates 24/7 at (845) 444-3526 for free, confidential answers.

 

How Does an At-Home Abortion Work?

An at-home medication abortion, commonly called the abortion pill, typically uses two medications:

  • Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue.

  • Misoprostol is then taken to cause the uterus to contract and empty through cramping and bleeding.

The FDA-approved mifepristone regimen is approved for an intrauterine pregnancy through 10 weeks, or 70 days, from the first day of the last menstrual period.

While the process is commonly completed at home, it's still a medical process.

 

How Long Does it Take?

There's no exact timeline that applies to everyone.

With the FDA-approved regimen, misoprostol is taken 24–48 hours after mifepristone. Cramping and bleeding typically begin after misoprostol as the uterus contracts and empties.

How long the heaviest part of the process lasts can vary. Bleeding or spotting may continue after the pregnancy tissue has passed.

If bleeding becomes unusually heavy, symptoms are severe or you're concerned about what you're experiencing, have a plan in place beforehand to know where to seek emergency care.

 

What Will I See?

What you see can depend largely on how far along the pregnancy is.

Earlier in pregnancy, it may be difficult to identify pregnancy tissue from blood and clots. As gestational age increases, what is passed may look more distinguishable.

If you're unsure how far along you are, that's useful information to have before taking abortion medication. An ultrasound can help estimate it.

 

Integra offers free referrals for on-site limited ultrasounds after a positive pregnancy test when appropriate. Ultrasound availability is determined during your consultation with an RN trained in limited ultrasound.

 

How Much Does Abortion Hurt?

This is one of the hardest questions to predict.

Cramping and bleeding are expected during a medication abortion, but the intensity can vary from person to person.

Your experience may depend on factors like how far along you are, how your body responds to the medication and your individual pain tolerance.

 

Should I Be Alone?

Many medication abortions take place at home, but it's worth thinking ahead about the support you may want or need.

Because you can't predict exactly how your body will respond, consider:

  • Who could be available if you need support
  • How you would get medical care if you needed it
  • Who you would call with questions about your symptoms
  • What follow-up care is available medically and emotionally

 

A little preparation before you start can make a big difference if something doesn't go as expected. Integra's team can help you think through your questions before taking the abortion pill.

 

What If It Doesn't Work?

Medication abortion is effective during early pregnancy, but it isn't 100% effective.

In some cases, the pregnancy may continue, pregnancy tissue may remain in the uterus, or additional medical care may be needed.

The abortion pill also does not treat an ectopic pregnancy, which develops outside the uterus and can become a medical emergency.

This is one reason learning more about your pregnancy beforehand can be valuable.

 

Will I Still Feel Pregnant After?

Pregnancy symptoms don't necessarily disappear immediately.

Symptoms such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue may take time to improve after a medication abortion.

Pregnancy hormone levels also decrease gradually, which means a pregnancy test may remain positive for some time afterward.

 

How Do I Know Something Is Wrong?

Cramping, bleeding and passing blood clots can be expected during a medication abortion. However, some symptoms require prompt medical attention.

According to FDA guidance, contact a healthcare provider right away if you:

  • Soak through two thick, full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours
  • Have a fever of 100.4°F or higher that lasts more than four hours
  • Experience abdominal pain or feel sick more than 24 hours after taking misoprostol, including weakness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, with or without fever

 

Prepare Before You Start

You can find a lot of general information online about what an at-home abortion may be like. What the internet can't tell you is what applies to your pregnancy.

Before taking the abortion pill, it can help to know:

  • Am I actually pregnant?
  • How far along am I?
  • Where is the pregnancy developing?
  • What abortion information applies to my pregnancy?

Integra Pregnancy Services offers a free appointment in Poughkeepsie designed specifically for those planning or considering abortion. There's no cost, pressure, or judgment.

Make a Free Appointment or text our nurse advocates 24/7 at (845) 444-3526.

 

 

Sources
  1. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Mifepristone Information.
  2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. Mifepristone Medication Guide.
  3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.
  4. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Ectopic Pregnancy.