Skip to content
Self-Induced Miscarriage: Here’s What You Need to Know
Finding out you’re pregnant, especially if it wasn’t in your plans, may bring about many emotions like fear, shock, or being overwhelmed. Many women turn to the internet looking for answers. You may have many questions regarding abortion, cost, or risk, and you may have even searched for ways to end a pregnancy on your own.
Before you try to end a pregnancy on your own, we want to help you understand the risks and offer a safe, supportive place to talk about your options.
Wondering how to cause a miscarriage at home? Here’s what to know first.
What is a self-induced miscarriage?
A self-induced miscarriage (not to be confused with a natrual miscarriage), sometimes called a self-managed abortion or DIY abortion, is when a woman ends a pregnancy without medical supervision. This can involve:
- Using medications without a prescription
- Taking herbs or toxic substances
- Drinking alcohol or using drugs
- Trying to physically harm yourself
These methods are not only unreliable; they also can be very dangerous.
Is a self-induced miscarriage different from abortion?
No. A self-induced miscarriage is still considered an abortion because it’s an intentional attempt to end a pregnancy.
So, what’s the difference between an abortion and a natural miscarriage?
Abortion is a medical or surgical procedure to intentionally end a pregnancy. A natural miscarriage is the natural loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. It happens without any action on your part and is fairly common. 1 in 4 pregnancies end on their own in miscarriage within the first trimester.
That is why it’s important to confirm your pregnancy with an ultrasound before making any decisions. Additionally, if you have an ectopic pregnancy, an induced miscarriage or abortion will not treat it, and you need medical attention right away.
Are self-induced miscarriages safe?
Using plants or herbs, ingesting toxic substances, using alcohol and drugs, and causing physical harm to your body to end a pregnancy is more likely to cause physical harm to your body than it is to end a pregnancy.
If you are considering hurting yourself to end a pregnancy, please reach out to our medical professionals at Marisol Health right away. We care about you and can help you walk through what options you have for an unexpected pregnancy.
What are the risks of a self-induced miscarriage?
Self-managed attempts at abortion can put you at risk of poisoning, allergic reaction, incomplete abortion, organ failure, and even death instead of causing an abortion. Other serious side effects include (but are not limited to):
- Liver damage
- Breathing difficulties
- Infection
- Incomplete abortion
- Allergic reactions
- Poisoning
- Organ failure
- Death
What about using the abortion pill instead?
The abortion pill is approved by the FDA to be used up to 10 weeks into pregnancy. It involves two medications: one to stop the pregnancy from progressing, and one to cause cramping and bleeding to expel the pregnancy.
Before taking the abortion pill, you need a medical evaluation to:
- Confirm you’re pregnant
- Determine gestational age
- Rule out an ectopic pregnancy
- Check for signs of natural miscarriage
What should I do first?
Before taking any steps to end a pregnancy, get the facts about your health and your pregnancy. A licensed medical provider can offer the clarity you need to make a confident and informed decision.
At Marisol Health we provide confidential pregnancy appointments that include:
- Pregnancy testing
- Ultrasounds to confirm viability and gestational age
- STI testing and treatment
- Prenatal care through delivery
- Midwifery services
- Behavioral health counseling if needed
Our professional and compassionate staff will walk with you every step of the way, offering accurate information in a caring, pressure-free environment.
Miscarriage and Abortion Info in Denver and Northern Colorado
If you are considering a self-induced miscarriage, abortion, or simply don’t know what to do next, schedule an appointment with us or call to talk with our medical team.
If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911 or contact your local Mobile Crisis Hotline at 988 immediately.
We are here to walk alongside you.
You are unique, capable, and strong. You deserve to be listened to and cared for in a way that’s confidential and empowering.
Marisol Health does not provide or refer for abortions.
Change your mind after taking the abortion pill? It might not be too late. Support is available 24/7. Please contact the Abortion Pill Reversal Hotline at 1-877-558-0333 or visit www.abortionpillreversal.com.
If you are feeling suicidal or are thinking about harming yourself or someone else, please seek help immediately: Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
If you are in immediate danger or need emergency help, call 911.