The abortion pill uses two medicines to cause a miscarriage and end a pregnancy. The medication abortion is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy, up to 77 days, in the privacy of your home.
This is a non-invasive procedure that feels more natural for some people. You can be with a spouse, partner, family member or trusted friend, for support with the medical abortion. Patients who want a less invasive procedure, prefer the medication abortion.
The first step involves an office visit, including an ultrasound, lab work and exam. Mifepristone ends the pregnancy. Pregnancies need a hormone called progesterone to grow and mifepristone stops your body from making this hormone.
Misoprostol helps your body pass the pregnancy and causes bleeding and strong cramping. 24-48 hours after your office visit you will take misoprostol and you must stay home for 12-24 hours. During this time, should rest until your bleeding and cramping is light.
A few days later we will ask you to think about your body’s response to the medications and do a self-assessment. This assessment is a series of four questions about your experience. If you answer ‘NO’ to any of these questions it is very important that you call us as soon as possible. You may need to return to the office to confirm that you are no longer pregnant.
Lastly, you will take a pregnancy test at home about five weeks later. We will give you a test to take home with you at your first visit in our office. If the test is negative you will know the medication abortion worked, and you are no longer pregnant. If your pregnancy test is positive five weeks after the abortion you may still be pregnant, or you may have become pregnant again. Call us immediately if this happens so we can schedule you for an office visit and additional treatment if needed.