Do abortion pills cause nausea? What to expect and how to treat it

Nausea is a common side effect of abortion pills—but it’s usually mild, short-lived, and manageable. Your body is going through an unfamiliar process during a medication abortion, and feeling queasy is a normal response.

The good news? Most people feel better within a few hours, and there are simple ways to prevent or treat nausea if it shows up. In this guide, we’ll cover why nausea happens after taking abortion pills, how long it lasts, and easy ways to prevent or treat it.

Looking for abortion care but worried about side effects? Consult with a licensed provider in 1 business day via chat, or request a phone or video visit to discuss your concerns. If you’re eligible for care, we’ll ship treatment directly to you and be available to chat in your patient portal and over the phone on our 24/7 nursing line. See if you’re eligible.

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Nausea can be a side effect of the abortion pill

Medication abortion involves two FDA-approved pills: mifepristone and misoprostol.

• Mifepristone (the first pill) blocks the hormone progesterone. Most people don’t feel much after this dose, but every person is different.
• Misoprostol (the second pill, taken 6-48 hours later) causes the uterus to contract and empty—this is when nausea usually starts.

So why does this happen? There are a few reasons:

• Uterine cramping can trigger nausea
• Hormone shifts are happening 
• Misoprostol is known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

If you were already feeling nauseous during the pregnancy, you might be more sensitive to these effects. For most people, the nausea is mild to moderate and passes within a few hours.

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When does nausea start after taking abortion pills?

Most people feel fine after taking the first pill, mifepristone, and can go about their normal routine. However, if you are prone to nausea (either during this pregnancy or in general), it may be a good idea to take mifepristone when you have time to rest at home. 

Typically, nausea shows up one to four hours after taking misoprostol, the second pill. It tends to stick around for a few hours, and can peak when cramping gets more intense. Some people vomit after taking the pills, while others feel queasy without throwing up. It depends on your body, hormone levels, and how you take the medication. 

Note: If you throw up within 30 minutes of taking either pill, contact your provider for next steps. If you throw up after 30 minutes, the medication has already been absorbed and you can continue treatment as instructed. 

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What’s the best way to take misoprostol?

Misoprostol can be taken three different ways and is up to your preference. Vaginal use tends to cause the least nausea, while the sublingual method (under the tongue) is more likely to cause it. Learn more about how to take abortion pills, including the pros and cons of different misoprostol methods.

How long does nausea last during a medication abortion?

For most people, nausea brought on by abortion medications typically goes away within four to six hours after taking misoprostol. If someone has been experiencing nausea in the pregnancy, that nausea typically gets much better 24 hours after passing the pregnancy. 

Once the heavy cramping eases up, your stomach usually begins to settle as well. If you’re still feeling queasy after 24 hours, or the vomiting is intense, check in with your care team.

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How to treat nausea during an abortion

Already feeling queasy? Try these tips:

• Breathe through it: Take deep, slow breaths to help reset your nervous system and alleviate nausea.
• Lie still and rest: Movement can make nausea worse, so give your body a break.
• Cool down: Applying a cold compress to your forehead or the back of your neck can help cool you down.
• Sip slowly: Try room-temperature fluids, such as ginger tea or electrolyte drinks.
• Use medications if you have them: If you received ondansetron (Zofran), take it as directed.

And remember: this is temporary. Your body is doing hard, important work—and this discomfort will pass.

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When to contact a provider

If your nausea feels extreme, lasts longer than a day, or you’re struggling to stay hydrated, don’t go it alone. That’s what your care team is here for. At Hey Jane, we’re here for you every step of the way to answer any questions—including chat support and our 24/7 nursing line. To get started, click here.

Here are the normal and not-so-normal side effects that can come with the nausea from taking misoprostol:

1. Take anti-nausea medications 30 minutes before mifepristone and/or misoprostol: Your Hey Jane kit comes with Zofran (ondansetron)—an effective medication for nausea. You can take it before either abortion pill, but misoprostol is the one that usually triggers this side effect.

2. Take misoprostol vaginally (if possible): Inserting misoprostol vaginally causes the least nausea, but isn’t right for everyone (like those who have already started to bleed). 

3. Stock up on nausea-friendly items: Eating ginger chews, lemon candies, plain crackers or toast and drinking peppermint or raspberry leaf tea, electrolyte drinks like Gatorade, or coconut water in small sips can help calm your stomach.