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Abortion - medicaI
Medical abortion is the use of medicine to end a pregnancy. The medicine helps remove the fetus and placenta from
the mother's womb (uterus).
There are different types of medical abortions.
Therapeutic medical abortion is done because the woman has a health condition.
Elective abortion is done because a woman chooses (elects) to end the pregnancy.
An abortion is not the same as a miscarriage. Miscarriage is when a pregnancy ends on its own before the 20th
week.
Surgical abortion uses surgery to end a pregnancy.
Description
A medical, or nonsurgical, abortion can be done within 7 weeks from the first day of the woman's last period. A
combination of prescription hormone medicines are used to help the body remove the fetus and placenta tissue. The
doctor may give you the medicines after performing a physical exam and asking questions about your medical history.
Medicines used include mifepristone, methotrexate, misoprostol, prostaglandins, or a combination of these medicines.
Why the Procedure is Performed
Medical abortion might be considered when:
The developing baby has a birth defect or genetic problem
The pregnancy is harmful to the woman's health (therapeutic abortion)
The pregnancy resulted after a traumatic event such as rape or incest
The woman may not wish to be pregnant (elective abortion)
Risks
Risks of medical (nonsurgical) abortion include:
Continued bleeding
Diarrhea
Pregnancy tissue not passing completely from body, making surgery necessary
nfection
Nausea
Pain
Vomiting
Before the Procedure
The decision to end a pregnancy is very personal. To help weigh your choices, discuss your feelings with a counselor,
health care provider, or a family member or friend.
Test done before this procedure:
Pelvic examination is done to confirm the pregnancy and estimate how many weeks pregnant you are.
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HCG blood test may be done to confirm the pregnancy.
Vaginal or abdominal ultrasound may be done to determine the exact age of the fetus and its location in the
womb.
After the Procedure
Physical recovery usually occurs within a few days, depending on the stage of the pregnancy. Expect some vaginal
bleeding and mild cramping for a few days.
A warm bath, a heating pad set on low, or hot water bottle filled with warm water on the abdomen may help relieve
discomfort. Rest as needed. Do not do any vigorous activity for a few days. Light housework is fine. Sexual
intercourse should be avoided for 2-3 weeks. A normal menstrual period should occur in about 4-6 weeks.
You can get pregnant before your next period. Be sure to make arrangements to prevent pregnancy, especially during
the first month after the abortion.
OutIook (Prognosis)
Complications (problems) rarely occur.
AIternative Names
Therapeutic medical abortion; Elective medical abortion; nduced abortion; Nonsurgical abortion
References
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Clinical management guidelines of obstetrician-gynecologists.
Medical management of abortion. Obstet Gynecol. 2005 Oct;106(4):871-82. Reaffirmed 2009.
Annas GJ, Elias S. Legal and ethical issues in obstetric practice. n: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds.
Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 54.
Jensen JT, Mishell Jr DR. Family planning: contraception, sterilization, and pregnancy termination. n: Katz VL, Lentz
GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby;
2012:chap 13.
Simpson JL, Jauniaux ERM. Pregnancy loss. n: Gabbe SG, Niebyl JR, Simpson JL, eds. Obstetrics: Normal and
Problem Pregnancies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 26.
Update Date: 11/8/2012
Updated by: Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health
Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, nc.,
Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.
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