Abortion Pill
Medical Abortion (a non-surgical abortion)
A medical abortion is commonly known as Abortion Pill a SAFE and EFFECTIVE method for an early abortion up to 9 weeks of last menstrual period.
At Falls Church Healthcare we use 2 combinations of medications to end a pregnancy:
- Mifepristone and Misoprostol OR
- Methotrexate and Misoprostol
Completing the medical abortion procedure itself only takes 5-10 minutes. However, time is needed for paperwork, lab services and aftercare review, so you should expect to be in our center for up to 4 hours.
You will have an opportunity to meet with a health educator to discuss the procedure and your feelings and concerns.
Our staff is here to support and help both patients and those who are with you in this experience.
>> PREGNANCY CALCULATOR << estimate the “gestational age” of your pregnancy
What to Expect
Our gynecologist will give you (2) different medications. The 1st blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to sustain pregnancy. Without this hormone, the pregnancy detaches from the uterine wall, the cervix softens, and some uterine cramping can begin. The 2nd (Misoprostol) makes the uterus cramp and causes bleeding, which expels the demised pregnancy.
- At the clinic you will swallow the first pill Mifepristone (also known as ‘RU-486’) or get an injection of Methotrexate if clinically evaluated. It is not unusual to have some spotting or even bleeding after the first medication but the procedure is not yet complete.
- At home you will take the Misoprostol tablets, which are taken orally, causing the uterus to contract and empty. You will take these pills 1 to 2 days later at home considering your doctor’s recommendations and your personal schedule. After you take the Misoprostol you will have bleeding and strong cramping that will last for a few hours and may be severe, dramatic or simply similar to one of your “bad” periods.
- Heating pad can help with the cramps.
- You may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, chills, or feel tired. These symptoms usually last a short time and stop on their own. Everyone’s experience and comfort levels will be different.
- You may take 600 to 800 mg Ibuprofen for pain management
Aftercare
Plan a follow-up visit in 2 to 3 weeks. It is very important for patients to have a follow-up examination especially if pregnancy symptoms have not decreased.
Two options for your follow-up to verify whether or not you expelled your pregnancy tissue successfully.
- Visit Falls Church Healthcare Center OR
- Return to your own Gynecologist
We encourage and will assist you in exploring various family planning / birth control options.
Additional Information on Abortion Pill (Medical Abortion):
- Association for Reproductive Health Professionals: http://www.arhp.org/Publications-and-Resources/Patient-Resources/Fact-Sheets/Early-Abortion
- National Abortion Federation (NAF): http://prochoice.org/think-youre-pregnant/im-pregnant-what-are-my-options/abortion
