Can I Drive Myself Home After Taking the Abortion Pill?

Yes. Most patients drive themselves to and from their abortion pill appointment without any problems. The first pill, mifepristone, is taken at the clinic during your visit. It works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is needed for a pregnancy to continue. This pill does not cause cramping or bleeding right away.

Most patients feel completely normal after taking mifepristone. Some patients experience mild nausea, but this is uncommon and usually not severe enough to affect your ability to drive. You do not need someone to pick you up from the clinic.

Your appointment at The Center for Women typically takes about an hour. This includes meeting with the provider, having an ultrasound, and receiving your medications. After your visit, you can drive home, return to work, or go about your day.

Symptoms start after you take the second set of pills, misoprostol, which you take at home 24 to 48 hours after your clinic visit. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and pass the pregnancy. Most patients experience cramping and bleeding within 1 to 4 hours of taking misoprostol.

Because you take misoprostol at home on your own schedule, you can plan to be in a comfortable place when symptoms begin. Many patients choose to take it in the evening or on a day when they do not have other commitments. You should not plan to drive or be away from home during this time.

Cramping can range from moderate to strong and usually lasts several hours. Bleeding will be heavier than a normal period. Most patients feel well enough to resume normal activities within 24 hours after passing the pregnancy.

If you are driving to Westchester from another state, you can safely make the drive home after your appointment. The first pill does not cause symptoms that would interfere with driving. Many patients travel several hours to reach The Center for Women and drive home the same day.

Plan your misoprostol timing around your travel. The provider will instruct you to take misoprostol 24 to 48 hours after your appointment. If you have a long drive home, you will be well past the clinic visit before you need to take the second set of pills. Take misoprostol once you are home or in a comfortable, private location.

If you are staying overnight near the clinic, you do not need to stay for medical reasons. It is simply a personal preference based on your travel distance and schedule.

No. You do not need to bring a companion to your appointment. Many patients come alone, and the clinic staff will take care of you throughout your visit. There is no medical reason you need someone to drive you home after taking mifepristone.

That said, some patients prefer to bring a trusted friend or family member for emotional support. This is entirely up to you. If someone does come with you, they are welcome to wait in the waiting area during your appointment.

When you take misoprostol at home later, having someone nearby can be helpful. They can bring you water, a heating pad, or snacks. But this is a comfort choice, not a medical requirement.

Before you take misoprostol at home, gather a few items so you can stay comfortable. You will want a heating pad for cramps, ibuprofen (the provider will give you specific dosing instructions), maxi pads (not tampons), and water and light snacks.

Plan to stay home for at least 4 to 6 hours after taking misoprostol. During this time, you will experience cramping and heavy bleeding as the pregnancy passes. Have a comfortable spot set up where you can rest — a bed or couch with towels nearby is ideal.

The clinic will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and a phone number to call if you have questions or concerns. You will also have a follow-up appointment to confirm the abortion is complete.

Yes. Many patients go to work before or after their clinic appointment on the day they take mifepristone. Since the first pill rarely causes symptoms, your day can proceed as normal.

On the day you take misoprostol at home, plan to take time off work or schedule it on a day off. You will need several hours of rest while your body passes the pregnancy. Most patients feel well enough to return to work or school the following day, though lighter bleeding and mild cramping can continue for up to 2 weeks.

Call The Center for Women at (708) 450-4545 to schedule your appointment. Same-day, evening, and weekend appointments are available. The cost is $380, which covers your appointment, ultrasound, all medications, and your follow-up visit.

The Center for Women is located at 10215 W. Roosevelt Rd. #101, Westchester, IL 60154. Free parking is available on site. You can drive yourself to and from the appointment with confidence.