What Is Normal During and After Abortion? What Isn't Safe?
Any medical procedure or drug has inherent risks, including abortion clinic procedures and the abortion pill. The health and safety factors can depend on the cleanliness of the facility, the medical team, or the company where a woman orders abortion drugs. The EPPC’s latest study shows that 1 in 10 patients experienced a serious complication after the abortion pill. Further, the FDA and DEA do not recommend ordering online due to insufficient safety measures.
Some women experience major health complications, while others have mild reactions. It’s also important to note that no abortion is completely safe, no matter the type or place.
First things first:
Health and Safety Checklist Before an Abortion
Accurate dating: The abortion pill is only a first-trimester option. It isn’t safe to rely on a due date calculator to confirm your date of conception. Risks to your safety increase if the abortion pill is taken later in pregnancy.
Location of the pregnancy: If it’s ectopic (developing outside the uterus), the abortion pill won’t work and can be life-threatening.
Rh factor: If you’re Rh-negative, you may need additional medication after an abortion.
Medical conditions: Specific medical issues can make the abortion pill dangerous or even life-threatening. Talk to a medical professional about your health history.
Why This Safety List Matters
Taking the abortion pill without confirming these details can increase your risk of serious complications, including:
Incomplete abortion (where tissue remains in the uterus)
Infection
Severe bleeding
Delayed treatment for ectopic pregnancy
How to Get Started
Call or reach out online to request:
Medical-grade pregnancy testing
No-cost ultrasounds to confirm how far along you are and where the pregnancy is located
Confidential consultations to talk through any health concerns
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’ll walk you through your options without cost or pressure involved. We don’t provide or refer for termination services or profit from your choice.
What Side Effects Are Not Normal?
While pain is expected, you should seek medical help if you:
Soak through more than two pads per hour for two hours in a row
Have a fever over 100.4°F that lasts more than 24 hours
Pass foul-smelling discharge
Feel lightheaded or faint
Notice ongoing pain or symptoms that don’t improve
These signs could mean infection or incomplete abortion. In such cases, a follow-up surgical procedure may be necessary.
Know Before You Take It
Side effects vary from person to person. Factors such as your stage of pregnancy, any existing health conditions, or even your hormone levels can impact your reaction.
Is It Safe to Stop an Abortion?
Some women take the first abortion pill, mifepristone, and immediately feel unsure or regret their decision. Abortion Pill Reversal (APR) is a common and safe treatment that uses progesterone, a natural hormone your body needs during pregnancy. APR is most effective when started within 24-72 hours after taking the first pill.
If you have taken both pills or have had an unsuccessful surgical procedure, please call us to speak to a nurse right away.
Get the Answers You Need Today
You don’t have to guess. You don’t have to Google your way through this. You can come to East End Pregnancy Center in Richmond, VA, and leave with facts. You deserve real answers before making a big decision.
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