Using Abortion Pills? Hydrate!

When it comes to self-managed abortion, myths are never ending (trust us when we say we've heard just about everything). It's vital that you have accurate medical information, and that includes knowing how to take care of yourself once you've taken abortion pills. What should be super high on that list? Hydration!

Let's review: If you've chosen to take the mifepristone/misoprostol combination, you should swallow the mifepristone first, with a glass of water. 24 hours later, you'll put 2 misoprostol pills between your cheek and gum on the left side of your mouth, and 2 in the same place on the right side of your mouth. It will take about 30 minutes for the pills to dissolve, and during that time, you should definitely not eat or drink. After 30 minutes, you can swallow what's in your mouth, and then, you may eat or drink normally.  If you're going the misoprostol on its own route, you'll take 12 pills in total, in 3 hour intervals, and the same applies: you'll wait for the pills to dissolve, swallow your saliva while doing so, and then you can swallow everything that's in your mouth after 30 minutes, followed by eating and drinking as normal.

In case you've heard the rumor that drinking cold water during or after your abortion has a negative impact on the efficacy of the procedure, it's definitely not true. Drinking water is a huge part of taking care of your body in your daily life, and it's crucial that you do it when you're having an abortion. Diarrhea and vomiting, which both cause dehydration, are common symptoms associated with the use of misoprostol, so keeping on top of your hydration game is even more important. It's normal to feel crappy after taking abortion pills, so prioritize your self-care as much as is humanly possible. In addition to eating and drinking water, make sure that you have time and a safe space to rest, as well as access to painkillers, knowledge of where the closest medical facility, and  someone you feel comfortable calling for emotional support and/or emergency transportation.

For more information, see our FAQ.