Early medical abortion uses two medicines to end an early pregnancy, usually at home after clinical assessment. At The Women’s Health Hub, a registered midwife provides confidential assessment, medication instructions and follow-up from our Southeast Auckland clinic. Our service is for pregnancies within our early medical abortion gestational limit.
The first pill, Mifepristone, works by blocking progesterone — the hormone needed for a pregnancy to continue. Some people feel no symptoms after taking this pill. Others may experience light cramping or spotting. Most can continue with normal daily activities.
After the first medicine, misoprostol causes cramping and bleeding. We give you your individual dose and instructions, including when and how to take it. Contact us if the bleeding is lighter than expected or you have concerns.
Misoprostol causes your uterus to contract and begin the bleeding process. Within 30 minutes to 6 hours, you may experience cramping and bleeding, similar to a miscarriage or a heavy period. This is a good time to rest at home with a support person. Pain can be managed with paracetamol and ibuprofen as needed.
We assess gestational age using your history and any tests or ultrasound indicated by your circumstances. We will explain whether early medical abortion is suitable for you and refer you onward if it is outside our service.
A medical termination is similar to a miscarriage or a heavy period. The bleeding usually lasts for up to a week and you may have spotting for up to 2 weeks.
Cramping and bleeding are expected. Nausea, diarrhoea, chills and fatigue can also occur. Sometimes additional medication or assessment is needed. We explain warning signs, pain relief and how to reach us during treatment.
If you prefer a procedure or need a different method, we can discuss referral options.
If timing matters, please contact us promptly so we can assess your options.
A follow-up plan is part of safe care. Tell us if completing testing may be difficult.
We can discuss language support and ways to make instructions clear.
We will check that you have a safe way to contact help and seek urgent care if needed.
We explain the possibility of further treatment and the available referral pathway.
We review your medical conditions, medications, allergies and pregnancy history before prescribing.
Some medical conditions need additional assessment or specialist care.
Tell us about any cancer treatment or significant medical history so we can assess the safest pathway.
We make a practical follow-up and safety plan with you, including how to seek urgent help.
Publicly funded New Zealand citizens and residents attend an in-person appointment at our Southeast Auckland clinic. Non-residents who are not eligible for funded care may be assessed by phone when clinically appropriate. We discuss local pharmacy access, tests, support and emergency care before treatment.
