Can You Have a Healthy Baby After Taking RU486? A Doctor's Insight

Q: Can You Have a Healthy Baby After Taking RU486? A Doctor's Insight

1. <br>Introduction： After the follicle releases an egg, it develops into a corpus luteum, which begins to secrete progesterone. <br>After fertilization, the embryo's implantation is somewhat unstable initially, relying on progesterone to stabilize its attachment to the uterine l

Regarding the use of RU486, if the baby is still growing, is it really not possible to carry to term?

Hello Dr.
Huang: I have given birth to two children.
On March 24 of this year, I discovered that I was accidentally pregnant for about three weeks (my husband and I were using condoms).
The doctor asked that day whether I wanted to continue the pregnancy, and my husband immediately said no.
I didn't think it through at the time, but I took RU486 at 2:30 PM that same day.
That evening, I regretted taking the traditional Chinese medicine I often used for uterine protection.
The next day, I cried to my husband about why I wasn't given a chance to discuss it.
On March 26 at 2:30 AM, I took the second dose, and when I woke up that morning, I started bleeding.
Until today, April 1, during my follow-up visit, the doctor said the embryo had not expelled.
To me, it seemed to have grown.
I told the doctor I wanted to keep it and wondered if it was still possible.
The doctor advised against it, stating that since I had taken RU486, even if I were to keep the baby, there would be risks of malformations or developmental issues.
The doctor then inserted two pills for uterine contractions, and I was instructed to take additional uterine contraction medication at home to see if the embryo would be expelled.
If it hasn't expelled by the next week's follow-up, I would need to undergo a surgical abortion.
My main question is, if it hasn't expelled, is it really impossible to keep it? Are there any cases of healthy babies born after taking RU486?

Mei, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/01

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
Introduction: After the follicle releases an egg, it develops into a corpus luteum, which begins to secrete progesterone.
After fertilization, the embryo's implantation is somewhat unstable initially, relying on progesterone to stabilize its attachment to the uterine lining.
It will start to secrete human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-HCG), which has a structure similar to progesterone and can substitute for it to support the embryo within the uterus.
2.
RU-486: RU-486 is a progesterone receptor antagonist that competes for the progesterone receptors in the uterine lining, preventing progesterone from exerting its effects, thus achieving a miscarriage (the embryo cannot implant or becomes unstable after implantation and is expelled).
Following this, prostaglandins are administered to help expel the embryo.
3.
Literature reports indicate that some women who took RU-486 chose to continue their pregnancies, and there is considerable data linking RU-486 to teratogenic effects.
Currently, literature reports only one case of a woman who took RU-486 in early pregnancy, and during an 18-week ultrasound, multiple congenital anomalies were detected in the fetus; however, these were deemed unrelated to RU-486, and there are no reports of RU-486 causing teratogenic effects.
In experiments with other animals, such as monkeys and rabbits, no teratogenic effects were observed.
As for prostaglandins, they are considered to have the potential to cause fetal malformations, with cases of conditions like hydrocephalus and digit defects reported.

Reply Date: 2017/04/01

More Info

The use of RU486 (mifepristone) for medical abortion raises important questions regarding the potential for a healthy pregnancy following its administration. RU486 is a medication that blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. When used in conjunction with misoprostol, it effectively induces abortion.
In your case, after taking RU486, you expressed a desire to continue the pregnancy despite medical advice to the contrary. It is crucial to understand that while some women may experience a continuation of pregnancy after taking RU486, the risks associated with doing so can be significant. Medical professionals generally advise against continuing a pregnancy after the administration of RU486 due to the potential for fetal abnormalities and complications.

Research indicates that pregnancies that continue after the use of RU486 are at a higher risk for various issues, including congenital abnormalities and developmental delays. The concern is that the medication disrupts the normal hormonal environment necessary for fetal development, leading to potential malformations or other health issues. While there are anecdotal reports of women who have continued their pregnancies after taking RU486 and delivered healthy babies, these cases are rare and not well-documented in scientific literature.
The medical community typically recommends that if a woman has taken RU486 and wishes to continue the pregnancy, she should be closely monitored by healthcare professionals. However, the consensus remains that the safest course of action is to follow medical advice, which often includes proceeding with the abortion if the medication has been taken.

If you are considering continuing the pregnancy, it is essential to have a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider about the potential risks and the need for close monitoring. They may suggest additional ultrasounds and tests to assess fetal development and health. However, be prepared for the possibility that the healthcare provider may still recommend termination based on the risks involved.

In conclusion, while there may be rare instances of healthy pregnancies following the use of RU486, the prevailing medical advice is to avoid attempting to continue a pregnancy after taking this medication due to the associated risks. It is vital to have open and honest discussions with your healthcare provider to explore your options and make informed decisions regarding your health and the health of any potential child.

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