Timing guide

How many weeks can you take abortion pills? Up to 12 weeks.

Q: How do I count how many weeks pregnant I am?

Count from the first day of your last period - not from when you think conception happened. If your period started 6 weeks ago, you are 6 weeks pregnant.

Abortion pills are safe and highly effective up to 12 weeks of pregnancy — and the earlier you act, the gentler the experience.

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First: count your weeks correctly

Pregnancy is measured from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) — not from the day of sex or conception. This catches many women out: if your last period started six weeks ago, you are six weeks pregnant, even though conception happened roughly four weeks ago.

What the pills can do at each stage

Weeks (from LMP)	Your options
Up to 9 weeks	Ideal window — pills are ~98% effective, symptoms are mildest, and recovery is quickest.
9–12 weeks	Pills remain over 95% effective with an adjusted protocol — our provider tailors your instructions during the consultation.
13–20 weeks	Pills at home are no longer recommended. Termination is still legal under specific circumstances — we refer you to partner clinics for a safe in-clinic procedure.
After 20 weeks	Only permitted where life is at risk or there is severe fetal abnormality — hospital care.

Not sure of your dates? Irregular periods, breastfeeding or recent contraception can make counting hard. Tell us during your consultation — we can talk it through and refer you for a quick ultrasound if needed. Never guess upwards or downwards to "fit" — the right protocol depends on the honest number.

Why earlier is easier

Less bleeding and milder cramps
Higher effectiveness in a single round
Faster physical and emotional recovery

If your test is positive and you''ve decided, there is nothing to wait for — order today and a doctor reviews your case within 24 hours. Worried about the process itself? Read what to expect and the side-effects guide.

You don't have to figure this out alone.

Talk to our caring team privately — no judgement, no pressure. Or order safe, doctor-reviewed pills with free discreet delivery.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I count how many weeks pregnant I am?

Count from the first day of your last period — not from when you think conception happened. If your period started 6 weeks ago, you are 6 weeks pregnant, even though conception was about 4 weeks ago.

What if I'm past 12 weeks?

Termination is still legal in South Africa up to 20 weeks under specific circumstances, but it needs an in-clinic procedure rather than pills at home. We refer you to trusted partner clinics — talk to us and we'll guide you.

Do the pills work very early, like at 4 weeks?

Yes — the pills are effective as soon as a pregnancy test is positive. There is no need to wait, and acting early means a shorter, lighter experience.