How Will Abortion Affect Me Physically?

When considering the physical effects of any procedure, it’s natural to want clear, reliable information. During an unexpected pregnancy, your body is already experiencing hormonal and physiological changes. Understanding how different options may affect your body and recovery can help you make informed decisions and care for your health safely.

Life Line offers a supportive and confidential space where you can access free pregnancy services and learn about all your options. Doing so helps you make an educated choice that prioritizes your health and safety.

You’re welcome to reach out to schedule a confidential, no-cost visit and talk with our caring team.

Medical Abortion

A medical abortion, often called the “abortion pill,” involves two drugs:

• Mifepristone, which blocks progesterone, the hormone that supports early pregnancy, causing the uterine lining to break down
  
• Misoprostol, usually taken 24–48 hours later, which causes uterine contractions to expel the pregnancy

Common physical effects can vary by individual and may include:

• Cramping and bleeding that may be heavier than a typical menstrual period; passing clots is common (these side effects always occur when you take abortion drugs)
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, mild fever, or headache

Potential risks (though uncommon) include:

• Incomplete abortion, which may require follow-up medical treatment
• Infection or heavy bleeding

Surgical Abortion

A surgical abortion is performed by a medical provider in a clinical setting. In early pregnancy, the most common procedure is dilation and curettage (D&C). This procedure involves dilating the cervix and using suction or surgical instruments to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. 

Physical effects may include: 

• Cramping and vaginal bleeding as the uterus returns to pre-pregnancy size
  
• Mild discomfort from anesthesia or instruments

Risks, though uncommon, can include infection, heavy bleeding, cervical or uterine injury, or scar tissue formation. 

Understanding what symptoms are expected and which may signal a complication can help you know when to seek medical care.

Why Medical Screening Matters

Before any procedure, accurate medical information plays an important role in protecting your health. An ultrasound can help confirm:

• Gestational age, which influences what medical options may be available
  
• Viability, often indicated by a detectable fetal heartbeat, noting that approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies end in early miscarriage
  
• Location, ensuring the pregnancy is developing in the uterus, ruling out ectopic pregnancy

Having accurate medical information helps you consider all available options, including parenting, adoption, and abortion, from an informed and safety-focused perspective.

Your Health Comes First

Life Line provides free services so you can understand your body and health and make decisions without feeling pressured. We are here to help you ask questions, gather facts, and make informed choices that prioritize your physical well-being.

Schedule a free, confidential appointment to learn more.

Life Line does not provide or refer for abortions.

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