How to Safely Self-Manage a Medication Abortion at Home
More people are resorting to self-management or at- home measures to end a pregnancies as access to clinical abortion becomes more restricted.
Although most home remedies aren’t considered safe or effective for terminating a pregnancy, certain prescription medications can be safely administered at home.
In fact, some
A person can get and administer the abortion pill without supervision or guidance from a healthcare professional.
If you’re not sure how or where to get abortion pills, the advocacy organization Plan C has you covered.
There are legal risks to self-managing abortion. Some states restrict access to abortion.
This means that discretion and privacy are of paramount importance.
If you can, tell as few people as you can about your decision to end the pregnancy.
Clear any internet search, private message, or phone call history that might connect this to you.
Trying to make sense of the limitations in your state? Our state-by-state guide to abortion restrictions can help.
Preliminary data from the Guttmacher Institute suggests that as of 2020, medication abortion accounts for more than half of all abortions in the United States.
The
Medication abortion using mifepristone and misoprostol is common in the first and second trimesters.
If mifepristone is unavailable, taking misoprostol alone is also an option. Misoprostol-only medication abortion is common in the second trimester.
With either method, you’ll experience cramping and bleeding. You may also experience strong pain, “It’s cold.”, nausea, or There is a lot of diarrhea.. This is to be expected and typically isn’t a cause for concern.
Which method you use and what dosage you need both depend on how far along the pregnancy is.
You can determine how far along the pregnancy is by identifying the first day of your last menstrual period — or, if your period is irregular, a rough approximation of when a period would occur — and counting the number of days until the present day.
Although mifepristone must be administered orally (swallowed), misoprostol can be administered buccally (inside the cheek), sublingually (under the tongue), or vaginally. This article focuses on oral, buccal, and sublingual administration.
Technically, the only thing you need to have a medication abortion is the medication. But there are several things that can be helpful to have on hand.
Keeping a phone, phone charger, and emergency contact information nearby can help provide peace of mind and ensure that help is only a phone call away should you need it.
Write down the name, address, and phone number.
- A trusted friend or family member.
- A taxi company.
- An urgent care center is in the area.
- The closest emergency room is always open.
Although it’s perfectly natural to free bleed during this process, doing so can be messy.
You may find it helpful to stock up on menstrual pads or disposable period underwear designed for use with heavy periods. This can help reduce or eliminate time spent changing or washing clothes and linens.
OTC medications can help with side effects.
- acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) to relieve pain or reduce There is a high degree of fever.
- dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) or sodium citrate dihydrate (Nauzene) to treat nausea
- loperamide (Imodium) to treat There is a lot of diarrhea.
- melatonin and doxylamine are melatonin and doxylamine are doxylamine.
A stick-on heat therapy patch, heating pad, or hot water bottle can also help soothe cramps. A thermometer can help monitor your temperature and check for There is a high degree of fever..
Avoid taking the OTC pain reliever aspirin, or medications that contain aspirin, because it can increase bleeding.
| Stage of pregnancy and medication | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 12 weeks pregnant, using mifepristone and misoprostol | Take 200 mg (one tablet) of mifepristone by mouth. | About 24 hours after taking mifepristone, take 800 mcg (four 200-mcg tablets) of misoprostol by inserting two tablets into each cheek pouch (the space between teeth and cheek) or by placing all four tablets under the tongue. |
| 12+ weeks pregnant, using mifepristone and misoprostol | Take 200 mg (one tablet) of mifepristone by mouth | About 24 hours after taking mifepristone, take 400 mcg (two 200-mcg tablets) of misoprostol by inserting one tablet into each cheek pouch (the space between teeth and cheek) or by placing both tablets under the tongue.
After 3 hours, take an additional 400 mcg (two 200-mcg tablets) of misoprostol. Repeat the same misoprostol dose again 3 hours later if you have not yet developed any cramping or bleeding. |
| Less than 12 weeks pregnant, using misoprostol alone | Take 800 mcg (four 200-mcg tablets) of misoprostol by inserting two tablets into each cheek pouch (the space between teeth and cheek) or by placing all four tablets under the tongue. | N/A |
| 12+ weeks pregnant, using misoprostol alone | Take 400 mcg (two 200-mcg tablets) of misoprostol by inserting one tablet into each cheek pouch (the space between teeth and cheek) or by placing both tablets under the tongue.
After 3 hours, take an additional 400 mcg (two 200-mcg tablets) of misoprostol. Repeat the same misoprostol dose again 3 hours later if you have not yet developed any cramping or bleeding. |
N/A |
You can rest for a while after taking the medication if you choose a time in the morning. The abortion begins when you take the first pill.
Before or after taking the first medication, put a heavy-duty pad in your underwear. Wear and replace as needed.
Take the recommended dose on the bottle if you experience pain or discomfort at the first sign. Continue to drink water.
If you’re using a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol to complete a medication abortion
Take 200 milligrams (mg) — which is one tablet — of mifepristone by mouth on the first day.
Bleeding and other side effects may not occur for about 24 hours after taking mifepristone.
If you’re using misoprostol alone to complete a medication abortion
If you’re less than 12 weeks pregnant, take 800 micrograms (mcg) — which is four 200-mcg tablets — of misoprostol by inserting two tablets into each cheek pouch (the space between teeth and cheek) or by placing all four tablets under your tongue.
Take the tablets out of your cheek pouch or tongue and wash them down with water. Continue to drink water.
If you’re 12 or more weeks pregnant, take 400 mcg (two 200-mcg tablets) of misoprostol by inserting one tablet into each cheek pouch (the space between teeth and cheek) or by placing both tablets under your tongue.
Take an additional 400 mcg of misoprostol after 3 hours. If you have not yet developed any symptoms of bleeding or cramping, repeat the same dose of misoprostol.
Take the recommended dose of both acetaminophen and ibuprofen after eating a light meal. Wait at least 30 minutes before moving on.
If you’re using a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol to complete a medication abortion
About 24 hours after taking mifepristone — if you’re less than 12 weeks pregnant — take 800 mcg (four 200-mcg tablets) of misoprostol by inserting two tablets into each cheek pouch (the space between teeth and cheek) or by placing all four tablets under your tongue.
Take the tablets out of your cheek pouch or tongue and wash them down with water. Continue to drink water.
About 24 hours after taking mifepristone — if you’re 12 or more weeks pregnant — take 400 mcg (two 200-mcg tablets) of misoprostol by inserting one tablet into each cheek pouch (the space between teeth and cheek) or by placing both tablets under the tongue.
Take an additional 400 mcg of misoprostol after 3 hours. If you have not yet developed any symptoms of bleeding or cramping, repeat the same dose of misoprostol.
Side effects usually start within 30 minutes to 10 hours after taking the misoprostol pills. After taking both medications, it usually takes about
If you’re using a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol or misoprostol alone to complete a medication abortion
You should experience some pain. The medication causes the uterus to contract to help you pass the baby on its way to the hospital.
If you start to feel unwell, take 600mg of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. The pregnant woman should eat a light meal and take a dose every 6 to 8 hours.
Resting and using a heating pad or hot water bottle may help.
Vaginal bleeding is a common occurrence as the pregnancy leaves your body. It may contain clot and tissue. Continue using pads for a few more days to keep track of your bleeding.
The side effects are usually related to the medication.
During the first 24 hours after taking misoprostol, it is typical to experience:
- nausea
- Overall weakness
- There is a high degree of fever.
- “It’s cold.”
- vomiting
- There is a throbbing head.
- There is a lot of diarrhea.
- dizziness
How to determine if the pregnancy has passed
The embryo will pass unnoticed within a blood clot if the abortion is performed sooner. Bleeding and Cramping will stop after it comes out.
The first day of your last menstrual period is when the embryo is small. The fetus is 1.5 inches in size and has recognizable details at 10 weeks.
It is possible to have someone look at any blood clot that passes to determine if the pregnancy has been terminated.
You may experience a second wave of heavy bleeding a few days after passing the pregnancy. Bleeding and clotting can occur around the 4th to 5th day.
If you are feeling unwell, having someone rub your back, sitting on the toilet, or taking a shower may be helpful.
If you are having heavy bleeding, gently massage the abdominal, uterus, and Pelvic areas for 10 minutes. You can take a drug, apply a heating pad, and decrease physical activity.
If you’re feeling There is a high degree of fever.ish, take your temperature twice daily for 48 hours. It becomes a medical emergency if your temperature reaches 101.4°F (38.6°C) or higher for more than 12 hours in a row.
You may during this time.
- There are large blood clot up to the size of a lemon.
- Feel sick.
- have There is a lot of diarrhea.
- have a mild There is a high degree of fever. or “It’s cold.” for a little while
- Have strong stomachaches.
- A leak of a milky nipple discharge can be prevented with a snug-fitting bra or compression top.
Give yourself the grace to process any emotions that may come forth.
“Feelings of relief, sadness, joy, or depression are common and may be strong due to the hormonal changes that occur after an abortion. Some people don’t like feeling like that.”
As the hours go by, the amount of pain will decrease.
It is common for clot to form when you get out of bed after a medication abortion.
You may find it helpful to wear feminine hygiene products during this time. It is easier to tell how much you are bleeding.
You can switch to tampons or other period products after the heavy bleeding lets up. Spotting or other light bleeding may last up to 4 weeks or more.
It may last up to 2 weeks.
You should avoid the following for at least a week after an abortion.
- Thorough physical activity can increase the risk of bleeding.
- penetrative vaginal sexual activity, including fingering and penis-in-vagina sex, which can introduce bacteria to the vulva and vagina
- tampons, menstrual cups, or other internal period products, which can make it difficult to monitor bleeding and clots
- bath bombs, body wash, or other “feminine” hygiene products that contain fragrance or other ingredients that can irritate the vulva and vagina
- If you are experiencing nipple discharge, you may be experiencing nipple stimulation.
Your first period should begin 4 to 8 weeks after the abortion.
A false-positive pregnancy test result can happen after a medication abortion.
It takes a little time for your hormones to go back to normal after you have a baby.
We recommend taking a pregnancy test about 2 weeks after taking all medications or passing the pregnancy. Take note of the date and the result received, then take another pregnancy test the following week.
If the results of the first and second tests are negative, the abortion likely worked as intended.
If the results of the first and second tests are different, you may need to take a third test or consult with a doctor.
If the results of the first and second tests are positive, a surgical abortion may be needed to help terminate the pregnancy.
Talk with a doctor or other healthcare professional before attempting an at-home medication abortion if you:
- are more than 12 weeks pregnant
- have symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy
- Have an IUD.
- have a blood clotting disorder or severe anemia
- Have chronic adrenal failure.
- take steroid medications
- They are allergic to either of those drugs.
You may be able to consult with a clinician online or over the phone if you have questions about your eligibility or potential side effects.
A healthcare platform may be able to answer questions via email or online chat before they give out the medication.
If you have taken medication to induce an abortion, you should seek emergency medical attention.
- “Bleeding and spotting don’t happen within 24 hours of taking misoprostol.”
- “They can’t take another dose of misoprostol after 2 hours of vomiting.”
- For more than 4 to 6 hours, vomit.
- have a There is a high degree of fever. of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher for more than 12 hours in a row
- If you pass blood clot that is larger than a lemon, you will be in trouble.
- If you bleed heavily for more than 12 hours in a row, you must use two full-size pads every hour.
- develop sudden, severe stomach or shoulder pain alongside Overall weakness and fainting
- You will experience bleeding heavier than usual for 2 weeks or more.
- Symptoms of a pregnant woman can last for 2 weeks or more.
If possible, take note of the following information and have it ready when you need it.
- How many pads have you used in the last two hours?
- Your temperature has been over the past couple of hours.
- You can get the phone number of an open drugstore.
It’s important to be aware of any laws or restrictions in your state. You might consider describing your symptoms as heavy menstrual bleeding or a possible miscarriage, for example.
Complications of a natural miscarriage and a medication abortion are typically treated in the same way. Because of this, there’s no medical reason to tell a doctor or other healthcare professional about a medication abortion.
“A healthcare professional is unable to tell the difference between a medication abortion and a baby’s birth. There is no test that can detect the presence of the drug misoprostol.”
Take a deep breath. You are not alone, whether you are reading this to help yourself, a friend, a family member, or another loved one through this process.
Before, during, and after an abortion, these resources can offer support.
- The abortion finder.
- All options.
- Exhale.
- The National Abortion Federation is a national organization.
- There is a national network of abortion funds.
- The organization is called Planned Parenthood.
Tess Catlett is a sex and relationships editor at Healthline, covering all things sticky, scary, and sweet. Find her unpacking her inherited trauma and crying over Harry Styles on Twitter.
