Are you wondering how long an abortion takes? Whether you’re thinking about the abortion pill or a surgical abortion, here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect before, during, and after each option.
Types of Abortion and How Long They Take
There are two main types of abortion—the abortion pill (also called a medical abortion) and surgical abortion. Each involves different steps and timeline.
What To Know Before an Abortion
Before moving forward with either option, it’s important to confirm a few key details with a medical professional:
- How Far Along Are You?
An ultrasound gives you an accurate idea how far along you are, often more precise than counting from your last period.
- Is the Pregnancy Viable?
A limited ultrasound can confirm whether the pregnancy is developing normally and help rule out an ectopic pregnancy (which happens outside the uterus).
- Are There Any Medical Risks?
Certain conditions, like clotting disorders or having an IUD, may affect your eligibility for an abortion.
At CAPS, we offer free limited ultrasounds so you get the answers you need to make an informed decision. Call us today at (619) 337-8080 to find out if you qualify.
How Long Does the Abortion Pill Take?
The abortion pill process uses two medications: Mifepristone and Misoprostol.
- Mifepristone: Taken first, either at a clinic or at home. This medication blocks progesterone, a hormone needed to sustain the pregnancy.
- Misoprostol: Taken 24-28 hours later. This causes your uterus to cramp and pass the pregnancy.
How Long Does Bleeding Last After Abortion?: Cramping and bleeding usually begin within a few hours of taking Misoprostol. This may last for several days. Light bleeding can continue for 9–16 days, and in some cases, up to 4 weeks.[1]
If you’re soaking through two thick pads in an hour, call emergency services right away.
How Long Does a Surgical Abortion Take?
Surgical abortion times vary depending on the procedure and how far along you are.
- Preparation: Your cervix may need to be dilated a day or two beforehand. Before the abortion procedure, you’ll typically receive a local anesthetic, oral pain medication, or (rarely) general anesthesia.
- Procedures:
- First Trimester: Typically takes about 15–30 minutes. The pregnancy is removed through the cervix.
- Second Trimester: May take 1-2 hours. The provider ensures that all pregnancy tissue is removed.
- Recovery: You’ll stay for a few hours afterward so staff can monitor for complications.
- Aftercare: Light bleeding may continue for 1–2 weeks.
When Should I Receive Abortion Follow-Up Care?
It’s important to plan a follow-up appointment 2–3 weeks after your abortion. This helps ensure you’re healing well and not experiencing any complications.
Reach out to your provider right away if you notice:
- 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 San Diego, California
The abortion process takes time—both the procedure itself and your body’s recovery. If you’re considering abortion, we’re here for you.
Call (619) 337-8080 to talk with our caring and knowledgeable staff. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
Please be aware that CAPS 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