---
title: What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
description: Worried about abortion pill side effects? Learn what to expect & get free ultrasounds and personalized abortion information in Florence, SC.
image: https://achoicetomake.org/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/African%20American%20Girl%20on%20College%20Dorm%20Bed%20with%20Pill%20Bottle%20and%20Phone.png
---
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# What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
If you're considering the abortion pill, you probably want to know more than whether it's considered safe.
**You want to know what it could actually feel like.**
- How much will you bleed?
- How painful are the cramps?
- How long can side effects last?
- And how do you know if something isn't normal?
The abortion pill is a medical process that typically happens at home, and your experience can depend on factors like how far along you are and how your body responds.
> A Choice to Make offers a **free, confidential appointment, designed for those [exploring abortion](https://achoicetomake.org/abortion)** in Florence, SC with free pregnancy testing, an ultrasound and abortion information.
>
> [**Make a Free Appointment**](https://achoicetomake.org/make-appointment) or [**text (843) 603-8599**](sms:+18436038599).
## How Does the Abortion Pill Work?
The abortion pill isn't actually just one pill. Medication abortion typically involves two medications:
- **Mifepristone**, which blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue.
- **Misoprostol**, which causes the uterus to contract and empty.
**Cramping and bleeding are expected parts of the process** because misoprostol causes uterine contractions.
That's why the experience can feel much more intense than simply taking medication for pain relief.
## What Are the Side Effects of the Abortion Pill?
The physical experience varies from person to person.
Some women describe the cramping as similar to a very heavy period. Others say the pain or bleeding was more intense than they expected.
Common side effects can include:
- Cramping
- Bleeding
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Weakness or fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Dizziness
**How far along you are can affect what you experience.**
> [A free ultrasound at A Choice to Make](https://achoicetomake.org/testing-ultrasounds-florence) can help estimate gestational age so you have more personalized information before moving forward.
## How Much Bleeding Is Normal?
Bleeding and cramping are expected during a medication abortion.
However, very heavy bleeding can require medical attention. The FDA advises seeking care if you soak through **two thick, full-size sanitary pads per hour for two consecutive hours**.
> Expected blood lose can also be dependant on how far along you are. Getting an ultrasound can help provide more personalized answers to these questions.
If you're unsure whether what you're experiencing is normal, don't guess. Contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical care if symptoms feel severe or concerning.
## What Are the Serious Risks?
Serious complications are uncommon, but they can happen.
Possible complications include:
- **Heavy bleeding**
- **Infection**
- **Incomplete abortion**
- **Continued pregnancy**
- **Untreated ectopic pregnancy**
An incomplete abortion may require additional medication or a procedure.
> One especially important point: **the abortion pill does not treat an ectopic pregnancy**, which develops outside the uterus and can become a medical emergency. A Choice to Make can help identify ectopic pregnancy during your appointment.
## Why Does an Ultrasound Matter?
If you're considering the abortion pill, an ultrasound can help provide information about:
- **How far along you are**
- **Where the pregnancy is developing**
- **Whether additional medical evaluation may be needed**
Timing matters because the FDA-approved mifepristone regimen is used through 10 weeks of pregnancy, and estimating pregnancy dates from your last period isn't always exact.
## How Will I Feel After?
There's no single emotional response you're supposed to have.
Some women feel relief. Others may experience sadness, grief, anxiety, uncertainty, or a mix of emotions that can change over time.
**Whatever you're feeling, you don't have to process it alone.**
> A Choice to Make offers a private, judgment-free space to talk honestly and get counseling before or after a pregnancy decision.
## Is the Abortion Pill Right for Me?
That's not a question an online article can answer for your specific pregnancy. The best path to take is to get an ultrasound and talk with a medical professional who can give honest medical information about abortion and explain your pregnancy options.
> A Choice to Make offers [a free appointment, designed for those considering or planning for abortion](https://achoicetomake.org/abortion) near Florence.
###### **Sources**
1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. *Medication Abortion Up to 70 Days of Gestation.*
2. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. *Mifepristone Information.*
3. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. *Ectopic Pregnancy.*
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