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If it doesn't work

What if the abortion pill doesn't work?

How to recognise an incomplete or continuing pregnancy, and the simple next steps if it happens.

Used correctly up to 12 weeks, the abortion pill is over 95% effective, so for most women it works completely. In a small number of cases the abortion may be incomplete or the pregnancy may continue, and both are manageable.

Signs it may be incomplete

Possible signs include very little or no bleeding in the hours after Misoprostol, continued heavy bleeding that does not settle, or ongoing pregnancy symptoms such as nausea or breast tenderness after a week. Some cramping and bleeding for one to two weeks is normal, this is about what does not settle.

What to do next

Do not panic, and do not ignore it. Contact us on WhatsApp and describe what you are experiencing. Depending on your situation, a provider may advise a repeat dose of Misoprostol or recommend a clinic visit to complete the process safely. Acting early keeps you safe.

Confirming success

Pregnancy hormones take time to clear, so a urine test can stay positive for a few weeks even after a successful abortion. The clearest signs of success are that bleeding happened as expected and pregnancy symptoms fade. If you are unsure, we will guide you.

Get urgent care if

You have very heavy bleeding (two or more pads an hour for two hours), severe pain, fever, or feel very unwell, go to your nearest hospital.

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