You took the morning-after pill. Maybe the condom broke, you forgot your birth control pill, or  it was just one of those in the moment decisions. Whatever brought you here, taking emergency contraception was a smart move.

But now your body’s acting… weird. Cramps? Spotting? Nausea? Mood swings that feel like a hormonal rollercoaster?

Don’t worry, you're not alone, and most morning-after pill side effects are completely normal. Here's everything you need to know about what happens after taking the morning-after pill, how long side effects last, and when to call your doctor.

What is the morning-after pill?
The morning-after pill is a form of emergency contraception designed to prevent pregnancy after unprotected sex or contraceptive failure. It works when taken within 72 hours, and it’s more effective the sooner you take it.

Restart contains levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that temporarily delays ovulation. No egg = no pregnancy. It doesn’t terminate an existing pregnancy, doesn’t affect your long-term fertility, and is totally safe to use. But because it's a higher dose of hormones than normal birth control, your body might react with some temporary (but often annoying) side effects.

Common Morning-After Pill Side Effects
Most people experience at least some side effects after taking emergency contraception. Here’s what’s normal:

Nausea or upset stomach
Totally common. Try taking the pill with food to minimize queasiness

Fatigue
Hormones can mess with your energy levels. Rest up—you’re not being dramatic.

Headache or dizziness
Short-lived, but annoying. Hydration helps.

Cramping or pelvic discomfort
Your uterus might throw a fit. Heating pads will be your best friend.

Spotting, bleeding or delayed period
You might bleed a little outside of your regular cycle. That’s not your period being broken, it’s just off-schedule.

Breast tenderness
Your boobs may feel sore or swollen, just like they do before your period.

Mood swings
Feeling all over the place emotionally? Blame the hormone surge. You’re not “crazy”—you’re adjusting.

How Long Do Morning-After Pill Side Effects Last?
Most side effects only last a few days, 72 hours max. Your period might show up early, late, or look a little different, but your cycle should reset within one month.

If you don’t get a period within three weeks of taking the pill, take a pregnancy test. Not because the pill didn’t work (it’s up to 95% effective when taken within 24 hours), but because nothing is 100%, and it’s better to know for sure.

When to Call a Doctor
Most morning-after pill side effects are totally manageable. But here’s when to check in with a provider:

• You have severe abdominal pain, especially weeks later (could be ectopic pregnancy).
• You’re soaking through a pad every hour (that’s not normal).
• You don’t get your period within 3 weeks after taking the pill.
• If something feels “off,” trust your instincts.

Can You Still Get Pregnant After Taking Emergency Contraception?
Yes, if you already ovulated before taking it. The morning-after pill works to prevent pregnancy by delaying ovulation, so if you’ve already ovulated it won’t be effective. It also doesn’t provide ongoing protection, and it won’t prevent pregnancy for the rest of your cycle. Use condoms or another form of birth control to stay covered.