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

After taking the abortion pill, it can be hard to know which symptoms are expected and which ones may signal a serious problem. Knowing when to go to the emergency room after taking the abortion pill can protect your life and future fertility.

CareNet Pregnancy Center of Paradise is here to help women facing unplanned pregnancies by providing free and confidential pregnancy confirmation services, compassionate care, and information on helpful resources and options.

While we do not provide post-abortion medical services, we’re committed to helping you safeguard your health. Here’s what to know.

How the Abortion Pill Works

The abortion pill uses two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end and expel a pregnancy within the first 70 days of pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone to stop pregnancy development, and misoprostol triggers uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy and related tissue from the body.

Misoprostol causes vaginal bleeding and abdominal cramping. Some women also experience  pelvic pain, headache, nausea, digestive upset, chills, fatigue, or general discomfort during the process.

Closely Monitoring Symptoms

All symptoms should still be closely monitored. If they intensify or last longer than expected, that’s a sign to seek care and potentially go to the emergency room, depending on the severity.

Call a healthcare professional if you experience heavy bleeding, such as soaking two or more pads within an hour for two hours in a row, or if you have severe stomach or pelvic pain, a fever lasting more than four hours, or a fever that begins in the days after taking misoprostol.

Other possible warning signs include chills, body aches, a fast pulse, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, or ongoing weakness, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Dizziness, blurred vision, swelling, shakiness, unusual weakness, confusion, or seizures also need immediate medical attention.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?

Go to the emergency room immediately if your symptoms feel severe or alarming. Some complications can escalate quickly, and waiting too long can put your health at greater risk.

Seek emergency care right away if you have extremely heavy bleeding or severe abdominal pain or tenderness below the waist. Go to the ER if you develop a fever higher than 100.4°F that lasts more than four hours, if you faint, or if you have a fast heartbeat along with weakness or feeling severely ill.

If you are unsure whether your symptoms are serious, it is safer to get checked than to wait and hope things improve. Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, go to the ER.

Get Support and Answers

CareNet Pregnancy Center of Paradise is here to help during your pregnancy.

If you are deciding what to do after a positive pregnancy test, we offer free pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, education, STI testing and treatment, and more.

Contact us today for non-emergency support, information, and help understanding your next steps. We care about you.

Care Net Pregnancy Center of Paradise does not refer for or perform abortions.