Managing Pain During a Medical Abortion

Medical Abortion: Managing Pain After Taking the Abortion Pills

A medical abortion is a safe way of ending a pregnancy with pills that can, in most cases, be completed at home after a consultation with NUPAS or another abortion provider. Our pills by post service allows you to take the medication in the comfort of your own home and manage your abortion yourself, with our advice and aftercare support to guide you. 

A medical abortion involves taking two medications.

The first medicine – Mifepristone

The second medicine – Misoprostol

Read more here on how to take these pills effectively.

After taking the first pill, Mifepristone, most people can go about their days normally. Following the second pill, taken a day or two after the first, Misoprostol causes cramping that expels the pregnancy. This is where most people experience lower abdominal pain along with vaginal bleeding. However, the experience can be different for each person.

How Painful is a Medical Abortion?

Depending on your gestation and pain tolerance, every person feels different levels of pain or discomfort. Some describe the pain as similar to a bad period, and some have compared it to contractions similar to labour; others find the pain easily manageable with everyday pain relief. 

The pain should ease after around 4-6 hours, or it could last the day; the majority of the heavy bleeding is complete after 4-6 hours. However, you can continue to bleed lightly for up to two weeks or until your next period. 

Tips for Managing Pain During a Medical Abortion

Hot water bottle– A must for most patients. Applying heat to the lower abdomen eases the cramping pain 

Pain medication– Effective pain relief includes the use of Ibuprofen (this targets inflammation and pain most effectively. Your abortion nurse will recommend the best pain killers during your consultation, depending on medical history and Other pain killers that can be used alternatively include paracetamol and codeine

Relax in a comfortable spot- Whether you stay in bed, sit on the sofa or find comfort in watching your favourite TV show, distractions in a comfortable area of your home are the best way to see your way through a medical abortion.

Managing Other Side Effects of a Medical Abortion

Other side effects of an abortion can include:

• Diarrhoea – Lots of people experience this as a common side effect that is manageable from home.
• Nausea– Eat plain foods and drink plenty of fluids to ease nausea.
• Vomiting – If you took your tablets orally and vomited less than an hour after, check with NUPAS for the next steps.
• Light-headedness – Take it easy and have someone to support you during the aftercare process.
• Hot flushes – These should not last long; if you feel feverish, call our team on 0333 004 6666 or in an emergency call 999.
• Chills – Chills should not last for long but if you feel feverish and have a temperature, call our team on 0333 004 6666 or in an emergency call 999.

*If you notice any signs of infection, or you’re soaking through two heavy period pads for two hours in a row- call 999.

Remaining at home for the day means you can manage these possible symptoms more easily. If you ever feel worried about what you’re experiencing, you can always give our clinical support line a call and speak to a member of our team on 0333 004 6666.

The Contents of Your Medical Abortion Pack

Our pills by post service equips you with everything you need for the abortion, and your parcel contains helpful guides and facts you can read for peace of mind when managing your abortion from home. If you are able to take paracetamol and ibuprofen, pick some up from the supermarket or pharmacy. If you are able to take codeine, you can request pain medication to be included in your pack.

Tell us About How You Found Managing Pain During a Medical Abortion

We’re interested to hear about your abortion experience and how you found managing pain during a medical abortion. To anonymously share your story, see our form here.