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 A Better Choice, we offer free limited ultrasounds to help you get the answers you need. Call us today at (316) 685-5758 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 24-28 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.
- Procedures:
- 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 an abortion 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 an abortion. Emergency surgery may be needed to remove the remaining tissue and prevent infection.[3]
- Infection. If you develop a fever after your abortion, contact your healthcare provider. You may need antibiotics or even surgery to treat a possible infection.[4]
Abortion Information in Wichita, Kansas
Abortion takes time—both the procedure itself and the recovery process. Before choosing an abortion, call us today at (316) 685-5758 to speak with our compassionate and qualified staff. We’re here to help you make a fully informed decision!
Please be aware that A Better Choice 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