What is normal after the abortion pill?

With the advent of online pharmaceutical ordering, many women are taking medications, including the abortion pill, at home without the guidance of a medical professional. The FDA warns women against ordering medications online, especially from companies based overseas.  There are significant concerns that the safety, purity, and health standards of those medications may be questionable. Further, lack of follow up care can endanger a patient’s life and health. 

If you have taken mifepristone without medical guidance, you may have questions. How do you know if the abortion pill worked? Is there usually a foul odor after abortion pill administration? What are normal blood clots after abortion pill administration?

How do you know if the abortion pill worked?

After taking an abortion pill, women often experience nausea, cramping, and bleeding for 4 to 6 days. It is important to use pads rather than tampons so that you can monitor the amount of bleeding you have. If you have heavy menstrual bleeding, which is defined as bleeding that lasts more than 7 days or soaks through 2 pads in one hour for multiple hours in a row, or large clots, you should call a doctor or go to your local emergency room. For Westminster residents, the closest Emergency Department is Carroll Hospital. If you have taken an abortion pill but changed your mind, a doctor may be able to prescribe medications to counteract the effects of those medications.  If you would like to explore this possibility, click here. 

A normal, urine-based home pregnancy test cannot indicate if an abortion is complete.  Urine pregnancy tests measure hormones present in a pregnant woman’s body which take time to decrease once a pregnancy hass ended.  These tests can read positive for several weeks after the procedure. Patients should seek follow up care from a doctor who can take a blood test or order an ultrasound to determine the status of the pregnancy. 

Is there usually a foul odor after abortion pill administration?

While the smell of blood is not pleasant, a foul smell can be a sign of infection. If your blood or discharge smells “off” (foul or rotten) after you have had an abortion, you should seek medical care quickly. Other signs of infection include a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit and painful cramps that are not helped by ibuprofen or Tylenol. These types of infections can quickly become dangerous if untreated. 

So, what is normal after the abortion pill?

If you are not sure if the abortion pill is right for you, schedule a low-pressure appointment with PSC to discuss your options. One of our registered nurses (RN) can meet with you to answer your questions and help you feel comfortable that you have the information you need. If you have had an abortion and are struggling to cope emotionally, know that you are not alone. You can read more about the emotional aftermath of abortion as well.