How it works:
Misoprostol causes your uterus to cramp and your cervix to soften, expelling the pregnancy from the body. Taking these is often when your bleeding will begin.
Recommended dosage:
How much Misoprostol you take depends on where you are at in your pregnancy.
For pregnancies 12 weeks and under:
You will take at least one round of Misoprostol.
One Round = 4 pills (200mcg each = 800mcg total)*
You may need more than one round of pills. It is advised to have at least 12 Misoprostol pills on hand, especially if you did not take Mifepristone.
For pregnancies 13 weeks and over:
You will take multiple rounds of Misoprostol.
One Round = 2 pills (200mcg each = 400mcg total)*
It is advised to have at least 16 Misoprostol pills on hand.
* In Europe and some other parts of the world, Misoprostol pills may come in different dosages. Be sure to check the dosage information and adjust the number of pills accordingly. What matters most is that you take the recommended total amount in micrograms (mcg)
Timing:
Taking these pills will prompt bleeding and cramps. If at all possible, we recommend taking 1-2 days off from other responsibilities (work, caregiving, and other obligations) so you can rest and move through the abortion process.
If you are following Protocol 1 (combination of two pills - Mifepristone & Misoprostol), it is recommended to take these pills 24 - 48 hours after you take Mifepristone.
How to Take:
First: Place one round (either 2 or 4 pills, check 'Recommended Dosage' above) of pills either:
- Under your tongue (sublingual): This may cause more intense cramps and a faster process.
- Between your teeth and cheeks (buccal): This is the gentlest method and often the most preferred.
- Into your vagina (vaginal)**
**If you live in an area where abortion is severely restricted or illegal, do NOT take the pills vaginally. Instead, take pills in the sublingual or buccal method. Pills taken orally leave the bloodstream after 6 hours and cannot be detected by any tests. Taking the pills vaginally however, can leave chalky remnants behind that can be seen in the vaginal canal for days afterward.
Second: Let the pills dissolve for 30 minutes. Do not consume food or water during this time. After 30 minutes, take a sip of water, swish it around in your mouth, and swallow any remaining remnants.
*If you vomit within 20 minutes of swallowing the remaining remnants, let your nausea go away and start again as soon as possible.
Third:
For pregnancies 12 weeks and under:
One round of 4 misoprostol pills may be sufficient. Wait three hours, and if you feel the process is not yet complete and/or have not started bleeding, take an additional dose of 4 misoprostol. You may continue doing this until you notice the embryo/fetus has passed. This may look or feel like small to large blood clots depending on where you are at in your pregnancy. If you're unsure if it has passed, please reach out to a Rouge Doula and we can help you assess.
For pregnancies 13 weeks and over:
You will need to take several doses (2 pills every 3 hours) until the embryo/fetus has passed. Abortions in later trimesters can often be more intense physically and emotionally, so please contact a Rouge Doula if you would like support.
You can also find a more detailed explanation on taking pills on our website.