What is Medical Abortion

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Medical Abortion(Mifeprex) is a form of early abortion caused by the combination of two medications, Mifepristone and Misoprostol that is an option for women who are 10 weeks pregnant or less.

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During the first appointment at the clinic you will receive the Mifepristone pill to take orally. On the third day in the privacy of your own home, you take the second medication, Misoprostol. Misoprostol causes contractions resulting in a miscarriage. When used in combination, Mifepristone and Misoprostol are 95-97% effective and are FDA approved.

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How Does it Work

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The first pill (Mifepristone) will block the pregnancy hormone progesterone, preparing the uterus to expel the pregnancy. Women usually don't have any symptoms with this pill. You are able to continue your normal activities. Occasionally there can be some spotting or bleeding but not significant side effects.

With the later addition of the second medication, Misoprostol, the uterus contracts and the pregnancy is usually expelled within 6-8 hours.

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First Visit

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At your first appointment at the clinic, an ultrasound is performed to confirm you are less than 10 weeks pregnant. The counselor will explain how Mifepristone and Misoprostol works, and will answer all of your questions. Your health history is reviewed and if you meet the criteria, the doctor will give you the Mifepristone to take orally. You will be going home with 4 tablets of Misoprostol to be taken no later than 48 hours after taking Mifepristone along with pain medication.

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What To Expect

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After taking Mifepristone at the clinic you may begin to bleed. As each woman's body is different, bleeding varies from woman to woman. Some may experience light bleeding much like spotting towards the end of a menstrual period. Others may have heavier bleeding like their regular menstrual period, or like a heavy period. Some women do not experience any bleeding until taking the Misoprostol.

After taking the second medication Misoprostol(4 tablets), cramping, bleeding, and clotting may begin as soon as 20 minutes. Within the next 6 to 8 hours, most women will have a miscarriage. Cramping may come in waves with increasing and decreasing intensity. You can expect bleeding heavier than a menstrual period with large clots.

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Aftercare

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You will return to American Women's Medical Center for a follow-up exam which includes a pregnancy test and ultrasound. This is very important part of the procedure, as this is the only way to determine if the abortion is complete. If the medical abortion fails, the physician may give you more Misoprostol or perform a surgical procedure.