Certain pregnancy symptoms may linger in the days and weeks that follow a medical abortion (also known as the abortion pill). Understanding what’s normal and what might indicate a complication is vital for protecting your health.

At Hope Women’s Center, we provide free and confidential services to help you understand your body, monitor your health, and find support after abortion. Request an appointment today to meet with our caring staff.

Why Symptoms Can Continue

The abortion pill works by using two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol, to end the pregnancy. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone the pregnancy needs to grow and develop, and misoprostol expels the pregnancy tissue through uterine contractions. While this process is intended to complete the abortion, hormones don’t immediately disappear from the body.

The pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), may remain at detectable levels for several days or even weeks after taking the abortion pill. Because hCG causes many pregnancy symptoms, you may continue to notice some of the same physical changes you experienced earlier.

Common Symptoms That May Persist

Some symptoms can be temporary and expected after abortion, but it’s important to recognize what might continue:

• Breast tenderness: Soreness or swelling may take time to fade as hormone levels decrease.
• Nausea: Some women continue to feel sick to their stomach until hCG levels drop further.
• Fatigue: Feeling physically drained or unusually tired can persist for a while, especially as your body recovers.
• Bleeding: You may have experienced light spotting in early pregnancy, also known as implantation bleeding. However, during and after an abortion, you will experience bleeding and cramping, which can be severe. You may have light to moderate bleeding that lasts several weeks, though heavy bleeding warrants immediate medical attention. 
• Emotional changes: Hormonal shifts, combined with the stress of the experience, can contribute to mood swings, sadness, or anxiety.
  

What to Look For

In some cases, physical changes may point to a complication that needs medical attention. 

If you suspect an infection, watch for warning signs such as:

• Heavy bleeding — soaking two or more pads an hour for two hours in a row
• Bad stomach or pelvic pain
• Chills or body aches
• Rapid heart rate
• Fever that lasts more than four hours or that starts in the days after you take misoprostol
• Foul-smelling vaginal discharge

Additionally, some women experience an incomplete abortion, which occurs when some of the pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. Warning signs of this complication include:

• Heavy or irregular vaginal bleeding
• Fever
• Pelvic pain
• Infection
• Missed menstrual period
• Enlarged, tender uterus

If you notice any of these, seek emergency medical care immediately.

The Importance of Follow-Up Care

As it can be difficult to distinguish between lingering pregnancy symptoms, expected side effects, and warning signs of complications, follow-up care is essential. An ultrasound and bloodwork to measure hCG levels can confirm whether the abortion is complete and whether your body is healing properly.

At Hope Women’s Center, we offer free and confidential post-abortion exams by licensed medical professionals, as well as counseling for those who need emotional support.

Request your appointment today to take the next step toward peace of mind.

FAQ: 

How long will pregnancy symptoms last after taking the abortion pill?

Some symptoms can linger for several days or weeks until your hormone levels return to pre-pregnancy levels.

Why do I still feel pregnant after an abortion?

The pregnancy hormone (hCG) takes time to leave your system, so symptoms like nausea or breast tenderness may persist temporarily.

Can I still get a positive pregnancy test after the abortion pill?

Yes. Because hCG can remain in your body for weeks, a pregnancy test may still read positive even if the abortion is complete.

What should I do if my bleeding seems abnormal?

If you are soaking two or more pads an hour for two consecutive hours, contact emergency medical services immediately.

Does Hope Women’s Center provide abortions?

No. Hope Women’s Center does not provide or refer for abortions. We do offer free and confidential post-abortion exams by licensed medical professionals, along with counseling for those who want additional support.

All abortion information sourced in this blog is based on accurate information at the time of writing.