Medication abortion involves two medications taken in sequence to end an early pregnancy. The first, mifepristone, blocks the hormone progesterone necessary to sustain the pregnancy. After a waiting period, typically 24 to 48 hours later, the second medication, misoprostol, is taken to cause the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. Following the specific preparation instructions provided by a healthcare professional is important for comfort and to maximize treatment effectiveness.
Eating Before Taking Mifepristone
You are generally permitted to eat before taking mifepristone, the first pill in the medication abortion process. Consume only a light meal beforehand, rather than a heavy one. This reduces the chance of experiencing nausea or vomiting, which can be a side effect. A heavy meal could increase stomach discomfort, potentially causing the pill to be expelled before absorption.
If you vomit within 30 minutes to an hour after swallowing mifepristone, contact your provider, as the medication may not have been fully absorbed. Focus on easily digestible foods to minimize this risk. Acceptable light foods include plain toast, crackers, broth, or light yogurt. Avoid greasy, spicy, or fatty foods, as these can exacerbate nausea and delay stomach emptying.
Recommended Foods and Hydration During the Process
The most intense phase of the medication abortion process, which begins after taking misoprostol, requires maintaining energy and preventing dehydration. Staying well-hydrated is important because gastrointestinal side effects, such as vomiting and diarrhea, can lead to fluid loss. Water is essential, but sipping electrolyte-rich beverages, like sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions, helps replace lost salts and minerals. Clear broths also contribute to fluid and electrolyte intake while being easy on the stomach.
During this active phase, consuming bland, easy-to-digest foods helps keep energy levels stable, even if your appetite is low. The BRAT diet components—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast—are often recommended because they are binding and gentle. Simple foods like plain crackers, oatmeal, or boiled potatoes provide necessary carbohydrates without irritating the digestive tract. Eat small, frequent portions rather than attempting large meals, which can be overwhelming during discomfort.
Managing Gastrointestinal Symptoms
The second medication, misoprostol, commonly affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your provider has prescribed an anti-nausea medication, taking it approximately 30 minutes before the misoprostol can help manage these symptoms. Following precise instructions for taking misoprostol is also beneficial, as methods like vaginal insertion may cause less nausea compared to dissolving the tablets under the tongue.
If you experience vomiting shortly after taking misoprostol, timing determines if the dose was effective. If vomiting occurs while the tablets are dissolving in your cheeks or under your tongue, or within the first 30 minutes of taking them, contact your clinician for guidance. If you vomit after the tablets have fully dissolved and you have swallowed the remnants, the medication is likely absorbed, and you generally do not need another dose. Allowing your stomach to become completely empty may worsen nausea, making it harder to tolerate fluids or medications.