Abortion: What to Expect After Taking Abortion Pills

About miscarriage?

Yesterday, my girlfriend and I confirmed at the hospital that she is six weeks pregnant.
However, due to work commitments, she took the abortion pill today at the hospital, and she is scheduled to take the second dose in two days.
I would like to ask the doctor, since we also had intercourse on April 2nd with ejaculation, will the abortion pills completely eliminate any possibility of pregnancy? We would prefer not to have her go to the hospital again, as it could be harmful to her health.

Wang Rui'an, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/04/05

Dr. Huang Jianzhong reply Obstetrics and Gynecology

1.
My girlfriend and I confirmed that she is six weeks pregnant during a pregnancy test at the hospital yesterday.
However, due to work commitments, she took abortion pills at the hospital today, and she is scheduled to take the second dose in two days.
I would like to ask the doctor, since we also had intercourse on April 2nd with ejaculation, will the abortion pills completely eliminate all chances of pregnancy?
Answer: Yes.
2.
I don't want my girlfriend to have to go to the hospital again, as it could harm her health.

Answer: Using condoms would prevent harm to her body.

Reply Date: 2017/04/05

More Info

When considering the use of abortion pills, it's essential to understand the process and what to expect afterward. Abortion pills, typically a combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, are used to terminate early pregnancies, usually up to 10 weeks gestation. In your case, since your girlfriend is six weeks pregnant, she is within the safe window for medical abortion.

After taking the first pill, mifepristone, the medication works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for the pregnancy to continue. This pill is usually taken in a healthcare setting, and the second medication, misoprostol, is taken at home 24 to 48 hours later. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.

Here’s what you can expect after taking the abortion pills:
1. Bleeding and Cramping: After taking misoprostol, your girlfriend will likely experience bleeding and cramping. This can be similar to a heavy menstrual period, but some women may experience more intense pain and heavier bleeding. It's important to have pain relief options available, such as over-the-counter pain relievers.

2. Passage of Tissue: During the process, she may pass blood clots or tissue. This is a normal part of the process, and it can vary in amount and duration. Some women report passing tissue that resembles a large blood clot, while others may not notice anything significant.

3. Follow-Up Care: It's crucial to have a follow-up appointment with a healthcare provider within a week or two after the abortion to ensure that the procedure was complete and that there are no complications. This is particularly important if she experiences excessive bleeding (soaking through two or more pads in an hour for two consecutive hours), severe pain, fever, or any other concerning symptoms.

4. Emotional Support: The emotional impact of an abortion can vary widely. It's essential to provide emotional support to your girlfriend during this time, as she may experience a range of feelings, including relief, sadness, or guilt.

Regarding your concern about the possibility of another pregnancy, if the abortion is completed successfully, the likelihood of becoming pregnant again is eliminated. However, if there was any retained tissue or if the abortion is incomplete, there could be a risk of continued pregnancy. This is why follow-up care is so important.

If you and your girlfriend had unprotected intercourse on April 2, it’s worth noting that the effectiveness of the abortion pills is high, but no method is 100% effective. If there are any concerns about potential retained tissue or if she experiences any unusual symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare provider promptly.

In conclusion, while abortion pills are generally safe and effective for terminating early pregnancies, it’s crucial to follow the prescribed protocol, attend follow-up appointments, and provide emotional support throughout the process. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

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