If you’re researching the abortion pill, you’ve probably read that bleeding is part of the process. What can be harder to find is a straightforward explanation of when this side effect crosses over into potentially dangerous blood loss.

This is an important distinction to understand before taking abortion drugs. If you’re currently weighing your options, schedule a free appointment with Gateway Women’s Care today to learn more about your pregnancy and get your questions answered.

Some Bleeding Is Expected

The abortion pill is a two-drug process. Mifepristone is taken first and blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for the pregnancy’s growth and development. Misoprostol is taken 24 to 28 hours later and causes contractions that empty the uterus.

Those contractions lead to cramping and vaginal bleeding. Bleeding may be heavier than your usual menstrual period, particularly while the pregnancy is being expelled. Clots can occur as well.

Because experiences vary, it can be difficult to judge what’s excessive based only on whether the bleeding seems heavier than your period.

There Is a Specific Warning Sign to Know

Rather than relying only on how heavy the bleeding feels, there is a more specific guideline you can use.

The Mayo Clinic notes soaking through two thick, full-size sanitary pads each hour for two hours in a row as a reason to seek medical attention.

Do not wait for heavy bleeding to stop on its own if you reach this threshold.

Other symptoms can make the situation more concerning. If you’re experiencing heavy bleeding along with dizziness, fainting, unusual weakness, or severe pain, seek emergency medical treatment.

Bleeding Can Point to a Complication

Excessive or prolonged bleeding can occur with complications such as an incomplete abortion, in which pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus. Retained tissue may also lead to pelvic pain or infection and can require additional treatment.

Pay attention to symptoms beyond bleeding, too, when watching for potential complications. Warning signs like a persistent fever, bad stomach or pelvic pain, or chills after taking abortion drugs should be discussed with a medical professional promptly.

Before Making a Decision

If you’re considering medical abortion, it’s crucial to learn everything you can about your pregnancy and health first.

Gateway Women’s Care provides pregnancy services and resources to help you gather more information about your situation. Schedule your free, confidential appointment today.

Gateway Women’s Care does not provide or refer for abortions.

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