Wondering how long an abortion takes? Whether you're considering the abortion pill or a surgical abortion, here's a clear breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after each procedure.
Types of Abortion and Their Timeframes
Two types of abortion exist—the abortion pill (also known as a medical abortion) and surgical abortion. Both involve different steps and amounts of time.
What To Know Before an Abortion
Before proceeding with either option, you'll need to confirm a few key details with a medical professional:
- How Far Along Are You?
An ultrasound provides an accurate gestational age, often more reliable than counting from your last menstrual period.
- Is the Pregnancy Viable?
A limited ultrasound checks if the pregnancy is developing and rules out an ectopic pregnancy (outside the uterus).
- Are There Any Medical Risks?
Conditions like clotting disorders, an IUD, or other medical conditions may affect your eligibility for an abortion.
At Shoals Women's Clinic, we offer free limited ultrasounds to help you get the answers you need. Call us today at (256) 740-0640 to see if you qualify!
How Long Does the Abortion Pill Take?
The abortion pill process involves two medications: Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
- Mifepristone: This drug is taken first, either at a clinic or at home. It blocks the hormone progesterone to stop the pregnancy from continuing.
- Misoprostol: This drug is taken 24-48 hours later. It causes the uterus to cramp and expel the pregnancy.
How Long Does Bleeding Last After Abortion?: Cramping and bleeding usually begin within hours of taking Misoprostol. This may last for a few days. Mild bleeding can continue for 9–16 days or up to 4 weeks.[1]
If the bleeding is so heavy that it soaks through two thick pads in an hour, seek emergency care immediately.
How Long Does a Surgical Abortion Take?
The time a surgical abortion takes depends on the procedure type and how far along you are in your pregnancy. Surgical abortion procedures include vacuum aspiration, dilation and curettage, and dilation and evacuation.
- Preparation: The cervix may be dilated a day or two in advance. Before the abortion procedure, you'll receive a local anesthetic, oral pain relief, or (rarely) general anesthesia.
- Procedure:
- First Trimester: A first-trimester abortion takes about 15–30 minutes. The provider removes the pregnancy through the cervix.
- Second Trimester: A second-trimester abortion may take one to two hours. The provider must ensure that they remove all parts of the pregnancy.
- Recovery: Clinic or hospital staff will monitor you for a few hours to ensure you don't develop complications.
- Aftercare: Light bleeding may last for 1–2 weeks.
When Should I Receive Abortion Follow-Up Care?
Receiving follow-up care after an abortion is crucial. Plan a follow-up visit with your healthcare provider 2 to 3 weeks after the procedure. This will help check for complications and ensure your body is healing well.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Hemorrhaging. Bleeding after the abortion pill is expected. However, if you soak through two full-size sanitary pads per hour, for two or more hours, you could be hemorrhaging.[2]
- Incomplete abortion. Incomplete abortions occur when some pregnancy tissue remains in the uterus after Misoprostol has been taken. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove the remaining tissue and prevent infection.[3]
- Infection. If you develop a fever 24 hours after taking Misoprostol, contact your healthcare provider. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat a possible infection.[4]
Abortion Information in Florence, Alabama
Abortion takes time—both the procedure itself and the recovery process. Before choosing an abortion, call us today at (256) 740-0640 to speak with our compassionate and qualified staff. We're here to help you make a fully informed decision!
Please be aware that Shoals Women's Clinic does not provide or refer for abortion services.
Sources
- Danco Laboratories, LLC. (2022). MEDICATION GUIDE: Mifeprex. Danco Laboratories, LLC. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/020687s014lbl.pdf
- FDA. (2019, July). Prescribing Information for Mifeprex. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022348s014lbl.pdf
- Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, July 29). Medical Abortion. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/medical-abortion/about/pac-20394687
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2024, November 15). Mifepristone (Mifeprex). MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a600042.html