How abortion pills work?
When you’re taking both medications in a medical abortion, they’ll work together to terminate a pregnancy.
Mifepristone will be the first pill that you take. It works by blocking progesterone and causing the lining of the uterus to break down, terminating the pregnancy. About 24 to 48 hours after you take the first pill, you will take misoprostol, which causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo and uterine lining.
Side effects and recovery
Women who undergo a medical abortion often experience bleeding and cramping that can last for up to two weeks after the procedure, including passing blood clots. Other common side effects include:
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• feeling dizzy or heaving a headache
• short-lasting hot flashes
Most women will abort anywhere from a couple of hours to a day or two after taking the second medication.
However, it’s normal to experience light bleeding, spotting, and some cramping for up to four weeks following a medical abortion. Note that you can get pregnant almost immediately following an abortion.
