After taking the abortion pill, bleeding usually starts within a few hours after the second medication, misoprostol, and the heaviest bleeding typically occurs within 2 to 6 hours after taking it. This heavy bleeding usually lasts for a few hours, generally 3 to 5 hours, and should start to slow down within 24 hours. However, light bleeding or spotting can continue for several weeks, commonly between 2 to 8 weeks, varying from person to person. The normal menstrual period often returns around 4 to 8 weeks after the abortion, and the first period may be heavier than usual. Passing blood clots and tissue is common during the heaviest bleeding phase, but if bleeding soaks through more than two maxi pads per hour for two hours or more, or if very large clots (bigger than an orange) occur, medical advice should be sought. Overall, the bleeding after an abortion pill can range from heavy for a day or two to light spotting for several weeks, reflecting the body's process of emptying the uterus and returning to a normal cycle.
