How to prepare for an at-home abortion

Planning your at-home abortion can be overwhelming. You may have concerns about the medications, the recovery phase, and your emotional state throughout treatment. Having a checklist may help you put your mind at ease and make you feel more in control. In this article, we’ll share everything you need to prepare for taking abortion pills at home. 

If you haven’t ordered at-home abortion treatment yet, Hey Jane can help. We offer FDA-approved abortion pills online and everything else needed for a safe, private abortion at home—plus on-demand support from our expert clinical team. To see if you’re eligible, complete our quick intake form.

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Checklist: How to prepare for an abortion at-home

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1. Gather your medications

The most important aspect of preparing for an at-home abortion is to have the necessary medications. Your abortion care provider will typically prescribe a combination of mifepristone (which stops the pregnancy from growing) and misoprostol (which helps empty your uterus) to end your pregnancy. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully and contact them if you have any questions before starting your dosage.

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You’ll also want additional comfort medications on hand to deal with the potential side effects of abortion pills. Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can help with intense cramps, and anti-nausea medications (Zofran) may be needed if you get queasy. When you get abortion care with Hey Jane, we’ll include both of these medications in your shipment (along with the abortion pills) to make sure you have everything you need without requiring an extra trip to the pharmacy.

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2. Decide when and where to take your pills

You can begin treatment anytime, but planning can help ensure that you’re able to rest and be comfortable. Some people may start treatment closer to the weekend when they’re off work, have child care available, or no classes, but everyone’s schedule is different. For those with children, many choose to take the first medication (mifepristone) during the day as it causes little to no side effects, and the second medication (misoprostol) at night once their kids are asleep. Read more tips for parents going through at-home abortion care here.

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It can be helpful to plan your treatment backward. Figure out the best time to take the misoprostol pills so that you can be at home recovering. You should take the first medication, mifepristone, 6-48 hours before that time. Typically, most people don’t experience symptoms when taking mifepristone, so it is okay to plan to go about your day for the first pill.

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3. Have comfort and hygiene supplies on hand

You can expect some cramping and vaginal bleeding during treatment, so you might want to stock up on supplies that make you feel comfortable. Keep a heating pad, a stick-on heat therapy patch, or a hot water bottle handy when needed to relieve cramps. You can also DIY a heating pad with a long tube sock filled with raw rice. Just tie it up and microwave one minute at a time until you reach a temperature that is comforting (not painful!).

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For the bleeding, we suggest heavy-flow menstrual pads in place of tampons or menstrual cups to monitor exactly how much you are bleeding. You can also layer your bed or couch with dark-colored towels or blankets in case of an accident, and wear comfy clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in case you bleed through your pad. Have trash bags ready for easy cleanup, and consider putting wet wipes or a peri bottle (portable bidet) in your bathroom to clean your sensitive areas.

4. Get snacks and drinks to keep you going 

Make sure you’re staying hydrated and nourished during your at-home abortion. Before you begin treatment, buy or prepare light, easy snacks like soup, crackers, applesauce, or any gentle foods on your stomach. Also, drink plenty of water, and consider buying a pack of electrolyte drinks, such as Gatorade or Powerade, to get a little energy boost. 

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5. Set up your support system

You don’t have to go through this process alone if you don’t want to. If you’re comfortable, consider having a trusted friend or family member who can provide support. They can help with household chores, grab food or supplies, or just keep you company. 

Our team at Hey Jane is always here for you via Spruce, and you can also call our urgent phone line (listed in your treatment guide) with clinical concerns. Here are some additional resources, including private talk and text lines, for support.

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6. Don’t forget to practice self care, too

Going through an abortion can be an emotional experience for some people. You may have a mixture of feelings before, during, and after treatment, and that’s completely okay. Whether you’re feeling relief, joy, sadness, or depression, give yourself the grace to process your emotions.

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Journaling, meditation, or just talking to someone you trust are some ways you can sort through your thoughts and feelings. Understand that there’s no “right” way to feel during this process, and reaching out for support is okay if needed. 

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Make your space a haven

Think about the things that make you feel safe and calm. Maybe it’s turning your sound machine on to hear the sounds of nature, dimming your lights, or surrounding yourself with pillows and blankets. Regardless of your preferences, find and create a spot where you can rest undisturbed and have quick and easy access to a bathroom. 

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In this safe space, make sure you have everything you need within arm’s reach—water, medications, snacks, and heating pads—so you can spend as much time in bed or on the couch recovering.

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Plan for a couple of rest days

Medication abortion causes short term symptoms like cramping, bleeding, and fatigue, so it’s probably best that you avoid doing anything too physical for a few days. As you prepare for this treatment, schedule some PTO and delegate tasks to your support system if you’re able, so you don’t have to worry about work or other obligations during your treatment journey. If you need a doctor’s note to excuse you from work or school, your Hey Jane provider can write you one that doesn’t mention Hey Jane or any medical details to protect your privacy. 

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Once you start treatment, wear loose, comfy clothes, take naps when needed, and just listen to your body. 

Know what’s normal and when to seek medical attention

Medication abortion is extremely safer, but like any medication there are side effects to be aware of. You can expect to experience some bleeding and cramping as your uterus expels pregnancy tissue, however please seek medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Heavy bleeding—like soaking through more than two pads within an hour
• Severe pain that doesn’t resolve after taking pain meds

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Keep your provider’s contact information handy and have a backup plan for getting to an urgent care clinic or emergency room. 

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Additional resources for support

Aside from trusted family or friends, having outside support to navigate your treatment journey can be helpful.

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At Hey Jane, patients can access their care team anytime. You can message us with any questions or for support, and call our 24/7 urgent line with clinical concerns. In addition to being medical experts, our team has your back and offers empathetic, non-judgmental care. Many of our team have had abortions, too!

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Two additional resources include:

• Through the Heart: A 501(c)(3) organization providing support to people dealing with pregnancy loss. They offer educational resources and their popular “Comfort Kits,” which include items like a journal, playing cards, and a seed packet that can provide comfort throughout your abortion care. 
• Faith Aloud: Offers compassionate and nonjudgmental support from trained spiritual care counselors with diverse backgrounds. You can call 1-888-717-5010 to discuss your pregnancy care or connect with a supportive clergy member or religious counselor.

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Remember that abortion pills are a safe and effective way to end early pregnancies. Being prepared for the process, and any potential side effects, will help ensure you feel confident starting treatment and aware of what is “normal” and when to seek medical attention. You’ve got this!