Why bleeding not coming after abortion pills - #29391
I am really confused and worried right now. I took abortion pills about a week ago after discovering I was pregnant and it was an unplanned thing, to say the least. I was feeling super nauseous and just all these mixed emotions. Anyway, the doctor said I'd start bleeding within a few hours but it’s been a week and I’m freaking out because I am not experiencing any bleeding! Why is the bleeding not coming after abortion pills? I've read that for some, the bleeding can be kind of heavy, and others might just have light spotting, but nothing has happened for me. I had some mild cramps at first, but they went away after a day or two. I’m worried that maybe the pills didn't work or there's something wrong. I did check in with my doctor’s office, but they just told me to wait a bit longer, which isn’t super comforting when you're in this state. Has anyone else experienced this? Like, why is the bleeding not coming after abortion pills for me? Should I go to the ER just to make sure everything's okay? I can't help but worry about having to go through all of this, just for it to feel like it’s not even happening.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Not having bleeding after taking abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) can be distressing, especially when you’re expecting it based on advice and reading about common experiences. The most important thing to do now is to ensure the medication is working effectively, and to address the possibility of a retained pregnancy or incomplete abortion, which may require further medical intervention. Sometimes, the process can be less straightforward for a variety of reasons, including the gestational age of the pregnancy or how your body is reacting to the medication. In some cases, if the abortion pills were not given under medical supervision, the initial doses may not have been adequately absorbed or effective, which could be a possibility. Mild cramps without subsequent bleeding could suggest that the pregnancy has not been fully terminated, and it remains crucial to ensure that medical support is ongoing until a resolution is ensured. You should definitely follow up with your doctor or a specialized clinic soon to discuss next steps. Your healthcare provider might suggest a follow-up ultrasound or a blood test to check your hCG levels to confirm whether the abortion occurred completely or if additional treatment may be necessary. This may include repeating the medication or considering a surgical option if the medication did not work as expected. It’s generally not urgent to go to the ER unless you’re experiencing symptoms like severe pain, fever, heavy bleeding (which isn’t your case), or symptoms of an allergic reaction. However, making an urgent appointment with your healthcare provider or an abortion care service is advisable. It’s absolutely understandable to feel concerned in this situation, so don’t hesitate to reach out for clarification and additional guidance from your healthcare provider to ensure your health and safety are prioritized.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.