Important: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow the instructions provided by your prescribing healthcare provider.
A medical abortion — often called “the abortion pill” — is a safe, FDA-approved method to end an early pregnancy using a combination of two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. When taken under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider, this method can be completed at home, typically before 10 weeks of pregnancy.
This guide covers everything: how to confirm your pregnancy, how to prepare, how to take the pills, and what to expect — physically and emotionally.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility Through a Telehealth Consultation
Before starting a medical abortion, you must speak with a licensed provider — either in person or through a telehealth appointment. The provider will:
- Confirm your pregnancy and how far along you are
- Screen for any medical contraindications
- Discuss your options and answer questions
- Provide written and verbal instructions for taking the pills
Once approved, the medication may be:
- Mailed to your home in discreet packaging
- Picked up at a partner pharmacy (like CVS or Walgreens)
- Sent to a local UPS Access Point or PO Box (depending on the provider)
How to Confirm You’re Pregnant and Track Progress Afterward
📍 Where to Get a Pregnancy Test
Before your consultation, you can take a home urine pregnancy test to confirm you’re pregnant. These are available at:
- Local pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid)
- Retailers like Target or Walmart
- Online retailers (Amazon, Walgreens.com)
- Some health clinics or abortion funds may offer them free
Look for tests labeled “early result” or “high sensitivity.” These detect the pregnancy hormone hCG and are usually accurate after a missed period or 2–3 weeks after unprotected sex.
🧪 How to Use a Home Pregnancy Test
- Follow the test’s instructions — each brand varies slightly.
- Use first-morning urine for the most accurate result.
- Dip the strip or use the included dropper as instructed.
- Wait 3–5 minutes.
- Read the result:
- One line = Not pregnant
- Two lines = Pregnant (even a faint second line is a positive)
- No lines or smudged results = Invalid, repeat with a new test
🩺 How to Confirm Completion After the Abortion
Most providers will recommend a follow-up around 2–4 weeks after taking the pills.
You may be instructed to:
- Take a high-sensitivity urine pregnancy test
- Monitor bleeding and symptoms
- Schedule a video or phone check-in
A faint positive test within 1–2 weeks is not uncommon — hCG takes time to leave the body. If the test is still clearly positive after 4 weeks, your provider may order an ultrasound or blood test to confirm the abortion is complete.
Step 2: Prepare Your Abortion Kit in Advance
Do not start the process until you have received the pills and everything else your provider recommends. A well-prepared kit can reduce stress and help you manage symptoms at home.
Your at-home abortion kit should include:
- Mifepristone (1 tablet, 200mg)
- Misoprostol (usually 4–8 tablets, up to 1600mcg total)
- Ibuprofen (400–800mg every 6–8 hours as needed)
- Anti-nausea medication (ondansetron/Zofran, if prescribed)
- Thermometer
- Maxi pads (not tampons or menstrual cups)
- A heating pad or hot water bottle
- Water, snacks, and comfortable clothing
- Optional: a support person for emotional or physical comfort
Looking for a nearby pharmacy? Use our Walgreens Store Locator to find Walgreens locations that may carry abortion pill prescriptions near you.
Step 3: How to Take the Abortion Pills
✅ Day 1 – Take Mifepristone (200mg)
- Swallow with water.
- This blocks progesterone and stops the pregnancy from progressing.
- Most people feel fine or may have light spotting.
✅ Day 2 or 3 – Take Misoprostol (800mcg or as prescribed)
- Take 24–48 hours after mifepristone, per your provider’s instructions.
- Common administration methods:
- Buccal: 2 pills in each cheek, let dissolve for 30 minutes, swallow the rest.
- Vaginal: Insert 4 pills high into the vagina.
- Sublingual: Place under the tongue and dissolve for 30 minutes.
A second dose of misoprostol may be needed in some cases.
Step 4: What to Expect After Taking Misoprostol
Within 1 to 4 hours, you’ll likely experience:
- Strong cramping
- Heavy bleeding and clots
- Passing pregnancy tissue
- Side effects like chills, fever, diarrhea, or nausea
The heaviest part typically lasts 4–6 hours. Bleeding then tapers and may continue lightly for up to two weeks.
For a more detailed, doctor-written overview of symptoms, side effects, and timing, see What to Expect When Taking Abortion Pills.
Step 5: Aftercare and Recovery
💬 Follow-Up
- Most providers will arrange a follow-up or send aftercare instructions.
- A home pregnancy test may be recommended after 2–4 weeks to confirm the abortion is complete.
🩸 Bleeding
- Heavy bleeding is expected at first.
- Spotting may last 1–2 weeks.
💊 Pain Relief
- Use ibuprofen, up to 800mg every 6–8 hours.
- Avoid aspirin, as it may increase bleeding.
When to Contact a Provider or Seek Emergency Care
Get medical help if you experience:
- Soaking through 2 or more pads per hour for 2 hours straight
- Severe pain that does not improve with ibuprofen
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C) lasting more than 24 hours
- Faintness, vomiting, or symptoms that feel dangerous
Emotional Support Is Available
Abortion affects everyone differently. You might feel relief, sadness, peace, or a mix of emotions. There’s no “right” way to feel.
Free, confidential support:
- Exhale Pro-Voice: 1-866-439-4253
- All-Options Talkline: 1-888-493-0092
- Space of Mind online
Final Reminders
- Only take abortion pills after speaking with a licensed provider.
- Always follow the specific instructions given to you.
- Never substitute online guides for professional medical care.