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.
(09) 638 6040
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. This is an option for patient's who are less than 9 weeks pregnant.
Procedure
Before your visit to AMAC
- Doctors medical consultation & provision of Lab forms for required blood tests - by phone
- Once blood tests have been done at Laboratory please call AMAC on 02040741294 for an appointment
- Counselling/ Nurse Consultation - Information giving & social history, counselling where required- by phone
Appointment at AMAC clinic
With the doctor
- Dating Scan
- Contraception choices/advice
- Signing of consents answering of questions
- Prescribing of medications
With the Nurse
- 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, very occasionally women may feel unwell, start bleeding and experiencing abdominal pain.
- Misoprostol tablets and instructions are provided for you to take at home 48 hours later . 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.
- Prescriptions for pain relief and any other required medications provided
- Lab forms provided to get 2 check blood tests to confirm pregnancy has ended
- Follow up phone call from nurses on the day you take the second abortionmedication
- Comprehensive written aftercare information will be provided at AMAC.
- Emergency doctors contact telephone number provided
- Plan to be at the clinic approx. 1-2 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.
- 2 follow up blood tests 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.
- Follow up consultation, advice and relevant treatments from our doctor if you have any concerns
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.