Do Abortions Hurt?

One of the most common questions about abortions is whether the procedure will hurt. While everyone and every pregnancy is different, there are a couple of common complaints, side effects and experiences that a lot of women go through when they have an abortion. Knowing what to expect will help you make an informed decision.

Pain during procedure

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. 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 pregnancy 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.

Pain after procedure

Cramping often continues for a day or two after both surgical and medical abortions. This is your uterus returning to its normal size and shedding any leftover tissue. Light bleeding or spotting can last up to two weeks. You may also feel tired or notice mood swings as hormone levels adjust.

It is also common to experience negative feelings after an abortion. Sadness, guilt, regret, depression and anxiety are all common emotions. According to an analysis of state Medicaid data, compared to women who give birth, women who have an abortion in their first pregnancy are 3.4 times more likely to experience an increase in outpatient mental health visits and 5.7 times more likely to experience an increase in inpatient admissions. If you are struggling emotionally with your abortion, PRC Grand Rapids offers free support groups and counseling.

When Pain Isn’t Normal

Pain is your body’s way of drawing attention to a problem that needs to be addressed. While pain in your abdomen is to be expected, pain higher up on your body or pain on just one sign 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.

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.

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.

Conclusion

Part of informed consent means having a full picture of what to expect during and after a medical procedure. If you have any questions on abortions or want more information on what to expect, call PRC Grand Rapids for a free consultation.

If you have had an abortion and are struggling to deal with the emotional aftermath, PRC Grand Rapids provides free post-abortive counseling and support groups. You are not alone in your feelings, and we can provide you a safe space to process. Call today for more information,