AboutDoctor Joan Expertise I can answer medical questions related to ending early pregnancy (up to 12 weeks). I have expertise in the abortion pill (RU486), the Aspiration Procedure (Manual Vacuum Aspiration) and surgical abortion. I can help you to understand the procedures, what to expect, possible complications.
Experience I am a family doctor who is an expert in early abortion care. I have provided abortions for over 12 years.
Organizations National Abortion Federation
American Association of Family Physicians
Expert: Doctor Joan Date: 10/26/2007 Subject: Medical Abortion
Question QUESTION: Hi, Im 27 and recently found out I was pregnant - just as my husband and I are moving abroad. I had an early medical abortion 2 days ago. As I was only 5 weeks pregnant, I had my scan and the Mifepristone tablet in the morning, and then 6 hours later I was given four other oral tablets (Misoprostol). I experienced a few cramps about 4 hours later and started bleeding slightly and had a bit of diarreah. The next day I bled very lightly and had only a few cramps - nothing bad. Today nothing has happened, just very little bleeding. I rang the centre's helpline and the nurse said not to worry yet, the literature they gave me said most people start to feel the cramps etc within 2 days but it can still take up to 7 days. I am really worried incase the abortion hasnt worked and what to do next - waiting another 4 days makes me feel helpless.
Please advice me.
ANSWER: Hi Art,
You should take a second set of misoprostol as soon as possible. I am not familiar with the protocol that was used. Did you you put the misoprostol tablets in your cheek? If so, they should have had you wait at least 24 hours to take them after the mifepristone. This is the most effective way to do this. I am not aware of a protocol swallowing 4 tablets 6 hours later. If it doesn't work in 24 hours, we instruct women to take a second set of misoprostol at that time. I don't agree with having you wait. I would call first thing Monday and ask to come in. You may look into more information on the pill at earlyabortion.com and earlyoptionpill.org.
Let me know what happens,
Doctor Joan
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Hi Joan,
I had the abortion done at Marie Stopes in the UK, and the medical abortion where they give the tablets 6hrs apart is a fairly new method they've introduced. I had to swallow the misoprostol tablets 6hr after i'd taken the mifepristone tablet.
Anyway I went back and had a scan - was a partial failure and did end up having an early surgical abortion. There was absolutely no pain (I was convinced after reading so much online) that Id be in pain at least for the day, but Im completely fine, the nausea i was suffering all week after the medical abortion has gone and Im only having very light bleeding. I wish I hadnt assumed automatically that the early surgical abortion would be more painful than the medical one!
Thanks so much for your help!
Answer Hi Art,
I'm glad you had a good experience. The protocol that uses misoprostol four hours later is "buccal" - when you leave the pills in the cheek, not swallowing them. I've never heard of oral 6 hours later, and usually the oral protocol is for 2 tablets, not 4. Anyway - it all turned out well and I hope you have a good trip overseas.
Best wishes,
Doctor Joan
