It varies; cramps can be quite strong until the pregnancy passes through the cervix. Pain relief, walking, a hot water bottle or wheat bags are helpful.
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Medical abortion
Medical abortion Procedure at AMAC (The Abortion Pill)
The medical abortion procedure uses tablets instead of a suction procedure to interrupt and expel an early pregnancy. Medical abortion treatment requires two different medications to be administered. Patient who are less than 7 weeks pregnant have the option of taking the medications at the same time (one visit). Patients who are 7 - 9 weeks pregnant require the medications to be given on two seperate appointments either 24 - 36 hours later (two visits)
First Visit
- Counselling/ Nurse Interview - Information giving & social report/counselling.
- Certifying consultants x 2 – Signing of consents & legal documentation.
- Mifepristone tablet administered (The abortion pill). This tablet has a blocking effect on progesterone, a hormone that is needed for a pregnancy to continue.
- After taking the Mifepristone tablet usually no noticable symptoms happen, occasionally women may feel unwell, start bleeding and experiencing abdominal pain.
- Plan to be at the clinic approx. 3 - 4 hours.
- A return appointment is provided usually for one or two days’ later, unless the pregnancy is less than 7 weeks when both medications can be taken at the same time.
Second Visit (pregnancies 7 - 9 weeks)
- Misoprostol tablets are administered. This medication (a prostaglandin), helps to expel the pregnancy.
- Bleeding and strong abdominal pain and cramps are to be expected. A medical abortion is similar in process to a miscarriage. In some cases the bleeding can be heavy.
- Side effect after taking Misoprostol such as diarrhoea, vomiting, chills, dizziness, hot flushes, or a rash are not uncommon.
- Completing the process at home with a support person/driver & pain relief (if medical & social situation allows) is an option or
- Staying at the clinic to complete the process under our care - approx. 5-7 hours.
Post medical abortion
- Once the pregnancy has passed the bleeding and cramps will reduce to a heavy period like level as the uterus contracts and returns to its normal size.
- Most women require 2 follow up blood tests to confirm the pregnancy has ended.
- Bleeding may continue for several weeks. If the bleeding is very heavy (more than two pads in an hour for two hours) contact AMAC, your referring doctor or if outside of clinic hours, an emergency after hours medical service.
- Recovery from abortion is generally short, but take things easy for a few days.
- Post abortion counselling is available on request.
- Comprehensive written aftercare information will be provided at AMAC.
- Return to the referring doctor in 7-14 days if you are not feeling well.
FAQs
Does it hurt?
What if I am breast feeding?
Do not breast feed for one week after taking the Mifepristone on the first visit.
Will the abortion affect my fertility?
There is no evidence that your future fertility will be affected.
When can I return to work?
Most women return to work the next day but our doctors can provide you with a medical certificate for a few days.
When will I expect my next period?
Between four to nine weeks.
When do I start contraception?
The day after the pregnancy has passed for oral contraception. Discuss other methods such as IUCD etc. with our staff.
How will I know the pregnancy has ended?
Your pregnancy symptoms should gradually lessen. The blood test results will confirm falling levels of pregnancy harmone. Where there is any doubt a repeat scan will recommended..
What will I see?
The gestational sac can sometimes be seen; the embryo may be visible depending on how pregnant you are.
How long will it take?
In over 90% of cases, the pregnancy will be expelled in the 6 hours after the Misoprostol tablets are administered.
What if it fails to end the pregnancy?
It will be necessary to administer further medications or a suction procedure may be necessary.
