Potential Side Effects and Symptoms
Most women tolerate a medical abortion well. However, because this is a process driven by the body itself, it is accompanied by typical side effects. The following symptoms are normal and expected:
- Heavier bleeding: This is usually much heavier than a normal period and can occasionally be accompanied by small to medium-sized blood clots. The heaviest bleeding typically occurs within the hours following the intake of the second medication (misoprostol).
- Cramping abdominal pain: These reflect the contractions of the uterus required to expel the pregnancy tissue.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms: Nausea, occasional vomiting, or diarrhea (often directly triggered by the prostaglandin).
- General symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, or a temporary mild fever or feeling of chills.
These symptoms usually subside rapidly within a few hours to days after the tissue is expelled. You may take appropriate pain relievers (such as ibuprofen) after consulting with us to manage the cramps.
When to Seek Medical Help (Warning Signs)
Although complications are rare, you should contact our practice immediately or go to a hospital emergency/gynecological clinic if you experience any of the following:
- Excessive bleeding: If you soak through more than two large, fully saturated pads per hour for two consecutive hours.
- Unrelenting pain: If severe lower abdominal cramps do not respond to pain medication at all.
- Persistent fever: If your body temperature rises above 38 °C (100.4 °F) or if you still feel severely ill several days after taking the medication (which may indicate an infection).
- Circulatory issues: Severe dizziness, fainting spells, or persistent vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.