Do Abortions Hurt? What to Expect
It is common to wonder if abortions hurt or not, and if they do, how much? Although everyone and every pregnancy is different, there are some common denominators in what to expect. Many women report similar side effects, experiences and pain points when it comes to abortions and knowing these will help you make an informed decision for yourself.
Pain Levels Tend to Be Higher Than Expected
With medication abortion (the abortion pill) you’re likely to feel cramping similar to a heavy, painful period when the uterus starts to contract. Most women also notice nausea, diarrhea or dizziness as the body expels the pregnancy. Cramping often peaks three to five hours after taking the second medication and may last several hours up to 24 hours. Some women also report vomiting repeatedly due to the nausea during this time.
A lot of abortion providers tend to downplay how painful and uncomfortable these couple of hours are, and while lots of research has been done on the procedure itself, data is still lacking on the pain levels of abortions. According to a recent study from 2024, 40% of women who took the abortion pill ranked their pain as “severe” or at least an 8 out of 10, and 90% of the women surveyed rated their pain at least a 4 out of 10. The same study also revealed that most women felt under prepared for the amount of pain that their abortion caused. They went into it thinking that it would be as painful as severe menstrual cramps, but in reality, most women compared it to contractions during labor. In fact, the majority of women who experienced less pain had previously given birth vaginally.
How is pain managed during abortion?
Pain management options vary by method. For medical abortion, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen are recommended at the first sign of cramps. Your provider may also suggest heating pads or rest. During a surgical abortion, providers typically offer local anesthesia, sedation, or both. This reduces pain significantly. After the procedure, mild cramping and discomfort are treated with ibuprofen. It isn’t typical for a provider to prescribe anything and usually over the counter drugs are recommended.
What should I expect after an abortion?
After any abortion, expect bleeding and cramping for at least a few days. Bleeding is usually light to moderate, similar to a heavy period, and will taper off over time. Changing pads every few hours helps you track flow and stay comfortable. Some women experience nausea, tiredness, or mood swings. These symptoms often improve within 48–72 hours. Drinking water, eating light meals, and resting can speed up recovery. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are normal, reach out to a healthcare professional.
When should I seek medical help?
Some pain is not normal and shouldn’t be ignored. While pain in your abdomen is to be expected, pain higher up on your body or pain on just one side is usually a symptom of an ectopic pregnancy and needs to be addressed immediately. Taking the abortion pill while experiencing an ectopic pregnancy is never recommended and is extremely harmful. Getting an abortion while experiencing an ectopic pregnancy is rare in Wisconsin due to a pre-abortion ultrasound requirement, but if you got your abortion in another state or did so at a clinic that does not follow legal protocols, you could be at risk for this.
Additionally, extreme pain that lasts longer than 24 is not normal. You will likely still have some mild cramping at this time, but anything severe that is stopping you from doing your daily life is a sign that something is wrong. A fever, heavy prolonged bleeding, foul smelling discharge or chills are all reasons to contact a healthcare provider right away. These could be signs of an infection, and if ignored for too long, could become life threatening and have permanent effects on your health. Never ignore these signs and seek medical attention immediately.
Remember, receiving post-abortion care is never illegal in any of the 50 states, regardless of the state’s abortion laws. If you are experiencing pain or any adverse effect after your abortion, get medical help immediately. Your life could depend on it.
Support and resources
We do not refer for or perform abortions, but we’re here to educate and support you so you can make an informed choice. We offer free pregnancy tests, options counseling, and information on pain management and aftercare. You’re not alone—reach out to us for compassionate guidance and reliable resources. Visit our center or call us any time to discuss your needs.