Signs to Go to the Emergency Room After Taking the Abortion Pill

If you’ve taken the abortion pill, vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping will occur as the drugs end and expel the pregnancy.

However, there is a point when certain symptoms can signal that something is wrong, and medical attention shouldn’t be delayed. Knowing what to watch for can help you recognize a possible complication.

Read on to learn more about signs to go to the emergency room after taking the abortion pill.

Or, if you haven’t taken the abortion pill and have questions, Caring for Women offers confidential services and information to help you learn more about your situation. Schedule an appointment today to speak with our team, and if you’re experiencing concerning symptoms, please seek immediate medical care.

What Happens After Taking the Abortion Pill?

Medical abortion typically uses two drugs. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue. Misoprostol is taken afterward and causes uterine contractions that lead to abdominal cramping, vaginal bleeding, and the expulsion of the pregnancy.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever, and chills are side effects that women can also experience. However, there are specific “warning signs” to look for that could indicate the need for medical attention.

Heavy Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding can be heavier than a normal period during a medical abortion. However, the amount matters.

It’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider right away if you soak through two sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours. Prolonged or very heavy bleeding can lead to significant blood loss and may require medical treatment.

If you’re also becoming weak, dizzy, extremely lightheaded, or faint, seek emergency medical attention.

Severe or Increasing Abdominal Pain

Abdominal cramping will occur when you take abortion drugs, but severe abdominal or pelvic pain is different.

Pain that is intense, continues to worsen, or occurs along with heavy bleeding should be evaluated. Severe pain accompanied by vaginal bleeding, extreme lightheadedness, fainting, or shoulder pain can also be associated with an ectopic pregnancy, which is a medical emergency.

A Fever That Doesn’t Go Away

Misoprostol can cause fever and chills, so experiencing them briefly does not necessarily indicate a complication.

However, it’s best to seek medical guidance for a fever that starts after taking misoprostol or that lasts more than four hours. A persistent fever can be a sign of infection.

Feeling Very Sick

Pay attention to how you feel after taking abortion drugs.

Abdominal pain or discomfort accompanied by weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or a general feeling of being very ill can indicate a serious infection or another complication, even if you do not have a fever.

Don’t Wait When Something Feels Wrong

If you’re experiencing severe pain, prolonged heavy bleeding, fainting, or other concerning symptoms after taking abortion drugs, contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room.

If you are still considering your pregnancy options and haven’t taken abortion drugs, Caring for Women is available to answer questions and provide pregnancy support services in a confidential setting.

Schedule an appointment today to learn more about your pregnancy and the information available to you.

*All abortion information in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.

**This blog is for informational purposes only. This facility is not a licensed medical facility. We do not offer, recommend, or refer for abortions or abortifacients; therefore, we receive no financial gain from your decision. We are committed to providing accurate information about pregnancy options, abortion procedure risks and alternatives, and after-abortion care.