Medical Abortion / Use of Abortion Pill

Medical Abortion NZ

ENDING UNPLANNED PREGNANCY THROUGH MEDICATION?

Medical abortion, also known as the Abortion Pill, offers a safe and effective option for ending unplanned pregnancies. At The Women’s Health Hub, we provide abortion pills in Auckland, NZ. The procedure is non-invasive and can be done in the comfort and privacy of your own home, with support available from our healthcare professionals. It is important to note that medical abortion is only recommended for pregnancies up to 10 weeks gestation.

The initial tablet is called Mifepristone. This tablet stops your body from producing progesterone – the hormone needed for the pregnancy to continue growing. Some women may have no symptoms after taking mifepristone. Some may experience light period cramps and light bleeding. Both experiences are normal. Most women can continue with normal daily activities after taking mifepristone.

The second medication is called Misoprostol. Take this medication 24-72 hours after the first medication. The four misoprostal tablets are placed between your cheeks and gums. This medication dissolves slowly over an hour. There will be a chalky residue in your mouth at the end of this hour, this is normal, you will need to swallow the chalky residue with a glass of water.

Misoprostol causes contractions of the uterus and starts the bleeding process. Within 30 minutes to 6 hours you will experience period type symptoms with cramps and bleeding. This is your body expelling the pregnancy from your uterus, very similar to having a misscarriage. This is a good day to relax at home with a support person. Taking regular paracetamol and ibuprofen will help with the cramps.

When is Medical Abortion used?

Medical abortions are available for pregnancies that can be confirmed, typically up to 10 weeks. The duration of pregnancy is commonly measured in days since the woman’s last menstrual period (LMP).

How long does the medical Abortion process take?

A medical termination is similar to a misscarriage or a heavy period. The bleeding usually lasts for up to a week and you may have spotting for up to 2 weeks.

Possible Side Effects:

Common side effects of medical abortion, mainly caused by the second pill, include:

Cramps and bleeding
Headache
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Fever
Chills
Fatigue

In rare cases (around 5%), the medications may not effectively end the pregnancy, requiring a surgical abortion procedure. Continuing the pregnancy after taking the medications is not an option due to the risk of birth defects. While cramping and bleeding are expected, serious complications like excessive bleeding or infections can occur, although they are rare. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to fully understand the possible side effects and risks associated with medical abortion.

Who can’t use the Abortion Pill?

A medical abortion may be suitable for most pregnancies up to 9 weeks but there are certain conditions that may prevent women from choosing this method. These conditions are listed below:

Women seeking to minimize their involvement in the abortion process
Women desiring a quick resolution to their abortion
Women unable to return for follow-up visits
Women facing language or comprehension barriers in communication with the provider
Women without access to phone services or emergency medical treatment
Women preferring to avoid surgical abortion procedures as a backup option in case of medical method failure or incomplete abortion
Women concerned about heavy bleeding during the procedure

In addition to the previously mentioned factors, the following medical conditions also render a woman unsuitable for medical abortion:

Uncontrolled high blood pressure
Severe heart or cardiovascular disease
Severe kidney disease
Severe liver disease
Severe respiratory disease
Active or recent breast cancer
Recent or ongoing use of certain medications that may interact with the abortion medications (such as certain anticoagulants or immunosuppressants)
Severe mental health conditions requiring immediate treatment or hospitalization
Inability to comply with the recommended follow-up care or instructions

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to assess individual suitability for medical abortion and explore alternative options if necessary.

What if I live far away from the clinic?

Yes, we can still help you even if you live far away from the clinic. As long as you live within 1 hour from a hospital, we can accommodate you. Your first appointment will happen via phone consultation or in clinic visit. With most women preferring phone consultation.

After the initial consultation and assessment, we will initiate treatment. If you have any further questions or concerns, please discuss them when making your appointment. We’re here to assist you.