Medical abortion with abortion pills is an effective method for pregnancy termination up to 9 weeks. A medical abortion ends the pregnancy by using a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol. It is a safe procedure where abortion pills halt the pregnancy and push it out from the uterus by causing contractions. 

While the abortion process is simple and effective, most women have reported discomfort, pain, and other side effects. Deciphering what to expect and how to manage pain and side effects can make your abortion experience smooth and easy.

Understanding Pain After Medical Abortion 

Taking abortion pills, mifepristone and misoprostol to end the pregnancy can cause cramps and pain in the abdomen. This is because Misoprostol causes contractions that force the contents of the pregnancy out of the uterus.

The majority of people describe the pain as intense period cramps, and other people compare it to mild labor pain. After taking misoprostol, the worst cramping often occurs in the first 4-6 hours and then gradually eases.

Key methods to manage the pain: 

Take Pain Medication: Over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen (Advil) or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help, as both are pain relievers and help manage the cramps. Avoid taking aspirin as it can increase the bleeding. 

Heat Therapy: Place a warm heating pad on your lower belly to relieve the pain. It also helps to relax the muscles. Taking a warm bath can also help, however, avoid cleaning the vaginal part right after the abortion to avoid the risk of infection.

Hydration & Rest: Take some time to heal after the procedure. To stay hydrated throughout, drink plenty of water and other fluids.

Stay Active: Even walking around can help with cramps. Practice deep breathing techniques and meditation to ease the cramps.

Methods of Dealing with After Medical Abortion Bleeding

Bleeding is common during non-surgical abortion. The bleeding pattern can vary; some people have heavy bleeding with clots, and some people experience only light bleeding after medical abortion. 

Within the first few hours of taking misoprostol, you will endure the heaviest bleeding, but it will gradually decrease once the uterus empties all the pregnancy tissues. 

• Use pads instead of tampons and cups to track the bleeding and avoid any risk of infection.
• Avoid physical activity for a few days and take rest to recover from the medical abortion.
• Eat iron-rich foods and stay hydrated to replenish the blood loss.
• Monitor the After medical abortion bleeding and notice any sudden increase in the flow.

Light bleeding after medical abortion can still be normal, but getting in touch with your healthcare provider is always a good idea.

Other Common Side Effects of Medical Abortion & How to Deal With Them

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea: These symptoms disappear within 24 hours; contact your doctor if they last for several days. Avoid strong smells and try bland foods to manage the symptoms. 
• Breast or chest pain: You may have tender breasts and chest pain; this stays for a while after the non-surgical abortion. If the pain is severe, get checked by your healthcare provider.
• Fatigue and dizziness: These are also common symptoms; staying hydrated and resting can help. Make self-care a priority and get lots of sleep.
• Fever or chills: Some people experience mild fever or chills and shivering; if they last longer, contact your healthcare provider.

Medical abortion pain vs labor pain 

You may find medical abortion pain vs. labor pain similar since both involve uterine contractions, but there are some major differences: 

• Pain from medical abortions is sometimes compared to intense menstrual cramps, which increase in a few hours and then gradually go away.
• In most cases, labor pain is more severe and comes in waves, getting worse with time and lasting longer till birth.
• While labor pain could require intensive methods for pain relief like an epidural, medical abortion pain usually subsides with painkillers and rest.

When Should I Contact a Healthcare Provider?

Even if you know the usual signs like heavy bleeding and acute pain, here are some less evident but equally significant reasons to visit a healthcare provider:

• If you are soaking up to two pads in an hour for two consecutive hours.
• If the cramps get severe, the pain doesn’t reduce with medicines.
• If you get a fever of 100.4°F / 38°C or higher that lasts more than 24 hours.
• A foul-smelling discharge after the bleeding could be a sign of an infection.
• If the nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours.
• If you witness no bleeding even after 24 hours of taking the second abortion pill, it could mean the pills haven’t worked. 

Conclusion:

Medical abortion can be physically and emotionally challenging, but knowing what to expect can make the process easier. Pain, bleeding, and other side effects are part of the process, but overcoming them by resting, learning management techniques, and eating nutrient-rich food can help with the recovery. 

The serious consequences are rare, and it’s crucial to realize the warning signs and consult a healthcare provider when needed. Above all, treat yourself with kindness throughout this period; everyone's experience is unique, and putting your health first is essential to a quicker recovery.