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Is abortion painful?

  • Writer: Lynsey Bourke
    Lynsey Bourke
  • Dec 27, 2024
  • 1 min read

Updated: Aug 12, 2025

Menstruation can be painful, birth is painful, miscarriage is painful. Abortion, is also painful.


The question is: how do you plan to manage abortion pain?


A good thing to consider is how your menstrual cramps are normally. This is a good indication of how you will experience your abortion (in levels of intensity). Abortion IS more intense than a period, but your period is a good indication on how your body manages removing tissue from the uterus.


Generally, for an abortion with pills at less than 8 weeks, you will need around the same level of painkillers that you use for your period.


girl releasing pain and uterine cramping from at-home abortion

Some things that can help:

-Ibuprofen and anti-nausea medication. Do not use aspirin - it's a blood-thinner and won't support your body as much as Ibuprofen.

-Consider asking your provider to prescribe something a little stronger

-Gentle movement and yoga can help to improve circulation and help to encourage your blood flow and reduce cramping.

-Hot showers can help ease cramps

-Hot water bottle/ Heating pad for cramps and chills

-Massage/ foam rolling

-Eating healthy and cool foods

-Drink Water, Hydration helps with everything!


Talk to a Doula!

If you need to work through any fear, talk about your decision, pain management support, or recommendations on taking your pills, a Rouge Doula can walk you through the process.



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