Safe procedures are often associated with medical abortion, and they are even considered to be more secure than using Tylenol or penicillin. For over 20 years, the pills have been very popular in some countries, and they are often the go-to solution for people who don’t want to go through with pregnancy.
Technically, the process of this medical abortion is through taking various medications orally to stop the growth of the cells. The pills will induce the lining of the uterus to shed, and this is safer if the pregnancy is still under nine weeks.
Surgery is not required, and two common pills are prescribed, which are misoprostol and mifepristone. The latter is going to block the progesterone hormone, and this is going to cause heavy bleeding and cramping, so the uterus will be empty.
Healthcare providers may require you to undergo an ultrasound first to confirm the status of the pregnancy and to see if medical abortion still applies to your case. They will also determine how far along you are in your journey if there’s ectopic pregnancy, and if you’re allergic to the ingredients of the pills.
Why Is This Performed?
People have highly personal reasons why they don’t want to continue, and sometimes, this is based on their current life circumstances. Others don’t want to risk the inherited or congenital diseases that they can pass to their offspring, and others will need to complete an early miscarriage so there will be no tissues left inside. Women who have life-threatening conditions may also visit the Charlotte women’s clinic to see if this is the right move for them. Community health centers, hospitals, and private practices generally offer them, so schedule an appointment to learn more.
Telehealth services are a valuable resource that can answer any questions that you have, but a woman must have access to a compassionate, non-judgmental, and supportive medical system that can help them safely manage the entire process. Studies have also shown that it’s possible to have access to abortion without the need for a direct physician’s supervision as long as you meet the requirements. These include having access to reliable and accurate information, getting your hands on misoprostol and mifepristone, and there should be adequate support in case of a rare complication that may happen.
Laws Involving the Process
States can have different laws about abortion, and doctors are required to follow them depending on the area where you’re in. North Carolina laws state that it’s legal to get an abortion if you’re less than 12 weeks and six days pregnant. Exceptions like incest, rape, fetal abnormalities, and if there’s a danger to the life of the mother are also reason enough to stop the pregnancy. See more about fetal implications on this site here.
What Can You Expect with the Procedure?
Surgery or anesthesia is not required, and taking mifepristone and misoprostol are the first steps, and they should be done within 24 hours after being prescribed by a doctor. Sometimes, women can experience a very severe side effects after they’ve taken the medication, and cramping can start about four hours after the second pill. Blood clots and heavy bleeding can appear, and the individual may experience feeling tired or get a low fever with diarrhea.
Complications may appear at any time, so a follow-up appointment is a must. Antibiotics may also be added, but infections after an abortion are generally not common.
Preparations You Should Know About
Meet with a qualified and licensed physician for a thorough exam, and evaluation of your condition. Some of the things that they’ll generally look at are the following:
Physical examination and the confirmation that you are pregnant, urine tests, and the explanation and the side effects of the procedure. You might need to take time off work and be prepared to stay at home for a few days because the symptoms can be severe. Purchase a steady stream of napkins and absorbent pads that will help contain the bleeding and pain pills to help relieve and alleviate the pain.
The side effects that can be experienced often include headache, diarrhea, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting. You can find out more about the risks at this link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/abortion/risks/. Cramping strength can vary from one woman to another so you may want to get a stronger prescription if you’re experiencing something severe.
When Should You Call a Doctor?
Knowing how to work closely with your provider can bring in a lot of benefits. You need to discuss your worries and let them answer all your questions so you’ll be at ease with the entire process. Women who have experienced some kind of bleeding in the first few weeks of their pregnancy may be getting a miscarriage, and they would want to complete the process as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
However, if you notice that you’re beginning to get a vaginal discharge that smells awful and you have severe back pain, you might want to go to the clinic for a follow-up. Severe bleeding where you’re filling up two thick pads in one hour is also a cause for concern.
The amount of bleeding will generally depend on the patient and the weeks of pregnancy. Fortunately, this is going to subside gradually over the course of three weeks, but the use of tampons is heavily discouraged to prevent infections.
Recovery time is going to vary, and in some instances, you can start your normal routines within three days, but you should avoid lifting heavy objects. Others may be unprepared for the sadness, guilt, or relief that they may feel, and this range of emotions is normal, especially if your hormones are also adjusting. Several changes and chemical reactions may result in others experiencing mood swings or they can be upset more easily, so this is something that you should prepare for.
Contraceptives can be taken afterwards to avoid immediate pregnancy, but this will depend on your personal preferences.
Also Read: Do You Go to the Hospital When Your Water Breaks? Understanding What to Expect
