Help! I used abortion pills but I think I’m still pregnant!

In the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, mifepristone and misoprostol together are effective in ending a pregnancy 95% to 98% of the time, while using misoprostol alone will work about 85% of the time. But neither of those are 100%, so it’s important for people to know what to do if the medication doesn’t work for them.

The first thing a person needs to know is that misoprostol works by making the uterus contract and force out what’s inside. So if a pregnant person has confirmed the pregnancy and knows that it isn’t an ectopic pregnancy (a pregnancy outside the womb), they should expect to have cramps and bleeding within 24 hours of using the medication. In some cases, it can take up to 72 hours. The cramping usually starts 4-7 hours after using the misoprostol, but in some cases can take longer.

Someone who doesn’t bleed at all within three days, or who bleeds less than their normal menstrual period and doesn’t pass any clots, is probably still pregnant. If the abortion is successful, most people will see a quick decrease in symptoms of pregnancy, particularly no longer feeling nausea. A person who thinks they’re still pregnant after using the pills can get more pills and try again. If the person is over 12 weeks, a different amount of medicines are needed.

If a person tries to use abortion pills again but still doesn’t bleed or continues to feel pregnant, or if they can’t get more medication, they can still have a surgical abortion safely at a clinic - if a clinic is available and accessible to them. 

We have lots of information on our website, AbortionPillInfo.org, about how to use abortion pills, as well as how to find a clinic and get help covering the costs. We’ve also got counselors who can give you more details if you need them. We’re here to help!