Medical Abortions: The Different Stages Of The Procedure

Medical abortion involves three stages of procedure: patient counseling, taking medication, and monitoring recovery.

It should always be performed under the guidance of a healthcare provider, with accurate information and compassionate care.

This method of abortion is safe, effective, and convenient for many women, but it’s important to understand the different stages of the procedure before making a decision.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different stages of medical abortion and what you can expect during each stage.

What Is A Medical Abortion?

Before we dive into the different stages of medical abortion, let’s first define what it is. Medical abortion is a type of abortion that uses medication to end a pregnancy.

It involves taking two different medications, usually over the course of a few days, to terminate the pregnancy.

It’s important to understand the different stages of medical abortion because this procedure can be complex and involve a number of steps.

By understanding what to expect at each stage, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision about whether or not medical abortion is right for you.

1-Pre-Procedure Stage:

The pre-procedure stage of medical abortion is all about preparing for the procedure itself. This stage involves a number of steps, including patient counseling and informed consent.

A pregnancy Ultrasound (Sonogram) is performed to determine the number of weeks pregnant the woman is and to determine if there are any uterine or pelvic abnormalities.

During this stage, your healthcare provider will explain the medical abortion procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.

They will also review your medical history to ensure that medical abortion is a safe option for you.

If you decide to proceed with the procedure, you will be asked to sign a consent form.

2-Medication Stage:

The medication stage of medical abortion is when the actual termination of the pregnancy occurs. This stage involves taking medication to end the pregnancy.

There are two different types of medication used in medical abortion: Mifepristone (RU486, Mifeprex) and Misoprostol (Cytotec).

Mifepristone is the first medication taken. This medication blocks the hormone Progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue. Without Progesterone, the pregnancy can’t develop, and the cervix softens and opens up and the uterus begins to contract.

After taking mifepristone, you will be given a second medication, Misoprostol. This medication can be taken on the same day as the Mifepristone or up to 72 hours afterwards.

Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy. This process can usually take a few hours (3 to 6 hours), but may take up to 24 hours in many cases before the pregnancy tissue passes vaginally.

Most women experience cramping and bleeding for 7 to 10 days (range 1 to 60 days) It’s important to note that medical abortion is not the same as the morning-after pill (emergency contraception).

The morning-after pill is used to prevent pregnancy, while medical abortion is used to terminate an existing pregnancy.

3-Follow-Up Stage:

The follow-up stage of medical abortion is all about monitoring your recovery and ensuring that the procedure was successful. After you have taken the medication, your healthcare provider will schedule a follow-up appointment to check on you.

During this appointment, your healthcare provider will confirm that the pregnancy has been successfully terminated.

They may also perform an ultrasound to ensure that there are no complications. In some cases, additional medication may be necessary.

For example, if the pregnancy hasn’t been completely terminated, your healthcare provider may prescribe additional medication (Misoprostol) to help complete the process.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, medical abortion is a safe and effective way to terminate a pregnancy. The procedure involves three different stages: pre-procedure, medication, and follow-up.

During the pre-procedure stage, you will be prepared for the procedure. During the medication stage, you will take two different medications to terminate the pregnancy.

Finally, during the follow-up stage, you will be monitored to ensure that the procedure was successful.

It’s important to note that medical abortion should always be performed under the guidance of a healthcare provider. While it is a safe and effective procedure, there are risks involved, and proper medical supervision is essential.

Ultimately, the decision to undergo medical abortion is a deeply personal one. Above all, remember that you have the right to make decisions about your own reproductive health.

Whether you choose medical abortion or another option, it’s important to have access to accurate information and compassionate healthcare providers who can support you through the process.

The Fort Lauderdale Women’s Center is Offering The One Hour Abortion Pill Procedure – 3 to 14 Weeks. Patients who qualify may receive a significant discount in the price of the procedure if they meet certain criteria.

Call Us Now For Same Day Appointment.

Dr James S Pendergraft | Orlando Women’s Center | Abortion Pill Clinic | Articles On Abortion