MEDICATION ABORTION (6 weeks to 11 weeks)
A Medication Abortion is offered between 6 weeks to 11 weeks of pregnancy. It involves two different medications. The first is taken in our clinic and the second medication is taken at home, where the pregnancy is passed. Two blood tests help us to determine if the process was successful in ending the pregnancy.
Plan to be at the clinic for 2 to 4 hours. This time includes completing medical history forms, an ultrasound, laboratory tests, counseling and consent, and meeting with the provider.
The ultrasound is done to locate the pregnancy and confirm that the dating is appropriate for a Medication Abortion. Blood tests will be done to obtain a baseline pregnancy hormone level. Other blood tests may be done, if indicated.
You will meet with a counselor to confirm your choice to have an abortion, to ensure that you understand the process, and consent to the Medication Abortion. Counselors will also provide information about birth control and you can request a prescription for the method you choose.
You will then meet with the provider, and be given the first medication, mifepristone. This medication stops the pregnancy from growing.
You will be given a packet of 4 misoprostol pills to be taken at home within 24- 48 hours of the first medication. This medication causes the uterus to empty, expelling the pregnancy. Most patients pass the pregnancy within 24 hours of taking the misoprostol.
Some patients experience symptoms immediately after taking the misoprostol. All patients should experience symptoms within five hours. You should be in a safe, comfortable place to pass the pregnancy, preferably at home, without responsibility of work or childcare. You can expect heavy bleeding, clots, and strong cramping as the pregnancy is passed. It is not uncommon to experience fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. We will advise how to best manage these symptoms. You will be given a prescription to manage nausea.
If you are between 9 and 11 weeks, you will be given an additional packet of 4 misoprotol pills. You will take these four hours after taking the first dose of misoprostol.
You will be required to visit a Quest lab 5-7 days after taking the misoprostol for a second pregnancy hormone level. This step is important to confirm that the process was successful. We will call you once we receive the result. There is a 5% failure rate which is why the second blood test is imperative.
