MEDICATION ABORTION (5 weeks to 11 weeks)
WHS offers Medication Abortion between 5 to 11 weeks of pregnancy. It involves two prescription medications, mifepristone and misoprostol.
The first is taken in our clinic and the second 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 for the following:
- complete medical history forms
- ultrasound
- laboratory tests
- counseling and consent
- meet with the provider
Step 1: Taking Mifepristone
Patients will meet with the provider and be given the mifepristone pill. This medication stops the pregnancy from growing. Most people feel no side effects after taking it, though mild cramping, spotting, or nausea can happen.
Patients will be given a packet of 4 misoprostol pills to be taken at home within 24- 48 hours of the mifepristone.
Step 2: Taking Misoprostol
Patients will receive detailed instructions on how to take the pills. They are to be placed between the cheek and gums for 30 minutes while they dissolve. Any remaining fragments can be swallowed.
The misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and empty, expelling the pregnancy. Most patients pass the pregnancy within 24 hours of taking the misoprostol.
Patients typically experience symptoms within 1-5 hours of taking the misoprostol. 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 and you will be given a prescription to treat nausea.
If you are between 9 and 11 weeks, you will be given an additional packet of 4 misoprostol pills. You will take these four hours after taking the first dose of misoprostol.
Step 3: Follow-Up
Five to seven days after taking the misoprostol you will need to have a second blood test either at our clinic or at a Quest laboratory. This step is important as it enables us to assess your pregnancy hormone levels 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.