Expert: Shan Yi Sheng - 3/5/2010

Question
First of all I'd like to thank you for answering my question so quickly last week.
SO I have a scheduled appointment for an abortion, but they had asked me which method I prefer. I am 6-8 weeks pregnant and they have recommended medicated abortion. I take a pill orally on the first day and three days later they would insert a tablet in my cervix where I would have to stay at the clinic for 6 hours. OR a surgical abortion. Which would you consider to be the safest method. I have had a surgical abortion before in Canada in which I experienced no complications, however I am now in Ethiopa (3rd world country) and I am worried about their methods. What do you recommend?

Answer
Hi Manal,

I have no experience with Ethiopian medical practice.
For foreigners normally the care is good.
Anyway  8 weeks is a bit  far for the average medicinal abortion.
1 in 1000  have large bloodloss.
Nevertheless, as they are keeping you in the hospital, I think it is safe.
Have your blood crossmatched before as you may need a transfusion. (1 in 1000, so no big deal)
Day one take one mifepristone orally  (100 mg)
TWO days later take the misoprostol (Cytotec) vaginaly , NOT in the cervix !! or buccally.
That works also fine and does not give gastrointestinal side effects.
Do not worry, the plan is OK, but do not wait much longer either.
Bests,
Dr Shan