Expert: Pat G - 6/8/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi Pat,
   Me and my girlfriend had sex almost 1 1/2 months ago and we took the pregnancy test and found out positive and unfortunately as u know in india these things are not allowed before marriage so we consulted a doctor and he gave us mt prost kit which unfortunately my girlfriend took and she's bleeding heavily since then today's the 8th day so we went to a lab and had ultrasound done after checking the reports that dr. said there are some pieces left in the uterus and we should go for the surgical abortion asap. I really love her alot and i dnt wanna loose her or hurt her i know i already messed up her life please help me asap. I shall be very thankful to you

ANSWER: Hi, Rish,

This is a difficult situation, and I'm sorry you both are going through this. The most important thing is to bring the bleeding under control. She needs to get some cayenne into her body. That's red hot peppers. She can get it in food or through a supplement. She should get some regularly until the bleeding is under control, because there are women in India bleeding to death after pill abortions. A doctor should also give her medication to help control bleeding.

The doctor may or may not be correct when he says there are pieces left in the uterus. With a pill abortion, there should be only one "piece" and that's the baby. There is no reason why there should be multiple pieces, although there might be blood clots. I'd take her to a different doctor. Don't take her to the doctor that gave her the pills. He actually committed malpractice, because the kit contains a medication that the manufacturer says a pregnant woman should never take.

Find a doctor who doesn't believe abortion is ethical. He is much more likely to give you sound advice. Although the possibilities are great that she was able to end the pregnancy, there is always a chance the baby survived, and that needs to be determined. If the baby didn't survive, then they may need to do surgery. Is your girlfriend experiencing cramps or other pain? If not, I'd be even more concerned, but if the cramps are severe, that could also be dangerous.

I know the situation in India. There are other alternatives, but it is difficult. Most of the time, these things happen when people don't know what their alternatives are. I'm just sorry that things turned out this way, and I hope and pray she is all right. Please let me know how she does. Take good care of her.

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QUESTION: Thanks pat
 my girlfriend told me she already passed out some pieces while urinating but as u said she shouldn't have took those pills now are there any weired effects of that ?? and during the ultrasound she was bleeding heavily and the pictures shows that there is something left as the lab tech. marked those spots and yes she's experiencing pain and cramps sometimes so do you suggest to go to a different dr. and get the surgery done because in india all want to earn money then giving sound advice most important is that dr. scared me that it's already 8days passed if we didn't get the surgery done she will get infected and may die as according to them piece is still there i dnt know maybe i am fool or that dr. is please reply asap

ANSWER: Hi, Rish,

You're welcome.

Whether or not your girlfriend will develop an infection depends on several things. Has she had any internal examinations? If so, infection is a risk. If she still has her baby, then surgery should not be done. There are ways to treat infection, such as antibiotics. This is why you need to find a doctor who doesn't believe abortion is acceptable, because he will be able to advise you both better. If the doctor decides to give her antibiotics, then she should eat something to replace the beneficial bacteria that will be killed by the antibiotics. A good source is fresh yogurt that still has live cultures in it. Also, fermented Kombucha may help. There may be other sources of infection, so if she has one, the doctor needs to determine what kind. If you let me know, I will make suggestions. Another thing to keep in mind about getting surgery is that it can also cause infection. So it's not like she can get the surgery and the infection ends. All the surgery would do is remove tissue that might decay and cause problems. Sometimes a woman's body will simply re-absorb the tissue.

The person who gave your girlfriend the pills is a fool. You had no way of knowing how dangerous abortion is, because people who know aren't talking.

What part of India do you live in? There are some organizations in some of the cities that offer services to people like your girlfriend. You sound like you don't have much money. Unfortunately, abortion complications can be expensive. But I can see if I can find help for you.

I may have to go out and run errands before your next response, so if you don't hear from me right away, that's why. I'll answer as soon as I return.

Take care.

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QUESTION: thanks again pat,
   me and my girlfriend went to a new dr. today and after looking at the ultrasound she said the pieces are visible and we need to remove it asap and they are saying half of the baby is removed but few pieces left and she's asking $200 for the same. My girlfriend never had any internal examination We live in northern part of india i.e. in Chandigarh. I would really appericiate your help as u gonna save 2lives and moreover i am working for an american co. so if u r in states i can call you anytime if you want.

Answer
Hello, Rish,

I am somewhat familiar with Chandigarh, inasmuch as I have friends from there. There are no organizations in northern India, unfortunately, but I will give you a contact elsewhere, and they may be able to find someone near you to help you further.

I spent the day hiking, and I didn't get enough sleep last night, so I will have to quit soon and get some rest. While I was on my hike, I prayed for you both. Your situation has been heavy on my heart.

Unfortunately, I'm not in a position to receive phone calls, but thanks for the offer. I will write again with more detail. Please send a short response so you will get a notice. Thanks!