Abortion Pill Safety | The Complications Of The Abortion Pill

Approximately 1 in 3 women may face an unwanted or an unplanned pregnancy in their life in developed nations. In undeveloped nations approximately 40 to 50% of women will be confronted with an accidental pregnancy.

Complications with the use of the abortion pill occur in less than 1% of cases. The most common symptoms are headaches, nausea, chalky or bitter taste, mouth ulcerations, bloating, chills, shivering, low back and abdominal pain, vaginal discharge and vaginal bleeding.

Severe complications associated with the medical abortion procedure occur less than 0.3% of patients include 1) having to be admitted to the hospital, 2) require surgery or 3) the need for blood transfusions.

It is the possibility of severe complications why women should always be under professional medical supervision v j when undergoing the abortion pill procedure.

Medical supervision reduces the maternal morbidity and mortality when undergoing the abortion pill procedure.

The abortion pill method does not have a negative impact regarding infertility or future pregnancies.

Ovulation may occur 5 to 6 days after the pregnancy tissue passes. Sperm can live for 5 days. It is imperative that women start long term birth control immediately after completing the abortion procedure to prevent an unwanted pregnancy.

Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill) is included in the fee for abortions at some Abortion Clinics now.

As soon as a women suspects that she is pregnant, she should confirm it with a home pregnancy test or go to a Abortion Clinic to get a free pregnancy test.

With each additional week of pregnancy, the incidence of side effects and complications increase. When faced with an undesired pregnancy, the woman must determine if she wants to be a mother.

If you aren’t ready to have a child, then it is recommended to undergo an abortion as soon as possible. This is essential to avert the physical and mental risks and effects of abortions.

Generally, there are two types of abortion methods: 1) medical abortion and 2) surgical aspiration abortion. While the former is a natural way to abort within ten weeks of pregnancy, vacuum aspiration is the preferred method used to terminate pregnancies up to 16.5 weeks gestation.

Both abortion methods have their importance and uniqueness. The medical abortion or aptly the abortion pill method widely popular in the U.S.

Over 50% of abortions at 8 weeks or less are now performed using the abortion pill method.

This abortion blog is meant to extensively explore the abortion pill method and the corresponding complications associated with it.

What Are Abortion Pills?

The abortion pill is also called the medical abortion or medication abortion. The procedure involves consuming two different pills that naturally help a woman eliminate a pregnancy.

The first pill called Mifepristone is taken at the clinic, and a second pill, Misoprostol may be taken simultaneously with Mifepristone or at home.

The combination of both pills are more effective and associated with less complications and side effects than using just Misoprostol or Mifepristone alone.

The entire schedule for Medical Abortion

The FDA has approved guidelines regarding completing the medical abortion procedure. A time schedule chart is noted below.

 

FDA Suggested Schedule For Abortion Pills
Suitable Period	Up to 70 days or 10 weeks from LMP
Mifepristone Dosage	200 mg (1 Pill) Taken at the clinic under the administration
Misoprostol	24-48 hours after Mifepristone Taken at home 800 µg (4 Pills)
Follow-Up Visit	7-14 days after taking mifepristone
Prescriber Requirements	Under the guidance of a certified abortion clinic physician

 

Must-Know Facts about Abortion Pills:

1. There Are Two Abortion Pills to Be Taken

While many lay people think of the abortion pill as the use of only one pill, in reality there are actually two different pills used to complete the abortion process.

The first one starts the process by shedding the lining of the uterus and causes the cervix to soften and dilate. It also increases the endogenous production of prostaglandins and increases the sensitivity of the uterus to prostaglandins.

The second pill is a prostaglandin that causes uterine contractions and leads to the fetus being expelled.

Mifepristone blocks the hormone Progesterone. It is responsible for maintaining the pregnancy.

Misoprostol can be taken together, or 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 36 hours, 48 hours or 120 hours after taking Mifepristone. The fetus generally passes 3 to 6 hours after taking Misoprostol. By 24 hours, over 90% of women have passed the fetus.

Studies show in only 23% of cases, that all pregnancy tissue and blood products have passed by day 10 of the post medical abortion procedure. Performing a ultrasound at or before day 10 is to assure the fetus has passed and the patient is not having complications due to the abortion pill procedure.

2. The Abortion Process Normally Takes a Few Days:

Although the fetus normally passes within a few hours of taking the Misoprostol tablets, the cramping and vaginal bleeding normally last 5 to 16 days. Approximately 8% of women may bleed up to 30 days and 1% up to 60 days.

Heavy vaginal bleeding usually reaches its peak just prior to the fetal tissue passing. It may continue off and on for several days. If at anytime the bleeding fills up two maxi-pads for two hours in a row, the Abortion Clinic should be contacted urgently.

3. No Need To Consider Abortion Pill Dangerous

Women have read or heard that taking the abortion pill is highly dangerous. This is not true except in a few cases. When severe complications occur, they must be rapidly evaluated and treated immediately by experienced medical personnel who are familiar with the risks of clinical abortion.

The abortion pill procedure can be performed in the first trimester, second trimester and third trimester of pregnancy. Abortions at 12, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 weeks can be performed if the maternal or fetal medical indications are present in patients further than 22 weeks.

4. Avoid Taking the Pills Purchased Online or Without Your Practitioner’s Guidance

Many women go online and order “abortion pills”, “home abortion pills” or an “abortion kit”. The reason this is dangerous is because they generally cone with no directions and the FDA has warned that there is no way to know if the pills are not fake or contain the right dosage.

If you truly care about your health and avoid risks associated with the abortion pill, one should always receive the medications from a medical practitioner and be under their care throughout the entire process.

5. Medical Abortion Feels Like a Miscarriage

Having a medical abortion feels similar to having a spontaneous miscarriage. The temperament cramping, lower back and abdominal pain and moderate to heavy bleeding are similar.

The abortion pills have additional side effects that may include headaches, shivering, chills, sweating, fever, a skin rash and itchy palms.

Over the counter medications such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Motrin or Ibuprofen may help with fever, lower back and abdominal discomfort.

Other ways to help with the abdominal discomfort are the following:

• Uterine massage

• Taking a warm shower

• Placing a warm water bottle or electric pad on the lower abdomen

• Walking

• Sitting on the toilet

6. Ovulation, Normal Periods and Ability To Become Pregnant Return Quickly

Ovulation generally return 2 to 3 weeks after the abortion is complete. It may return as early as 5 to 6 days after the procedure.

The normal menstrual cycle normally returns 4 to 6 weeks after pregnancy termination.

The medical abortion process has no effect on future pregnancies when side effects and complications are addressed immediately by the abortion specialist.

There are essentially no long-term risks of the abortion pill that prevent women from conceiving and having normal pregnancies in the future.

7. The Pills are safe During Breastfeeding

Those who breastfeed can rely on the abortion pill process. There is no scientific evidence the pills cause any short term or long term harm to a newborn child being breastfed.

Small episodes of loose stools or diarrhea have been reported in the medical literature after taking Misoprostol while breastfeeding. It is recommended women who are breastfeeding refrain from doing so from 4 to 24 hours after taking the Misoprostol tablets.

Eligibility For Taking the Abortion Pills:

Most medical personnel prescribe the medical abortion pill procedure to women who are 10 weeks or less pregnant.

Physician’s all over the world have performed abortions in the second trimester and third trimester of pregnancy using the abortion pill method with minimal to no side effects or complications.

The abortion pill is most commonly used in Countries such as China, India Africa and Great Britain among others, to end pregnancies in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy further for over 20 years.

There are highly experienced and knowledgeable Physicians in the US that carry out advanced pregnancy abortion procedures in a reliable safe, effective and efficient manner.

Medical Abortion Tourism:

Due to the increase in restrictive State abortion laws and countries around the world where abortion is illegal, Medical Abortion Tourism has become ever so important in the State of Florida. Florida is the most popular State for Tourist and Vacationers from around the World.

Miami is the Gateway to many countries from around the world. Due to the Catholic religion in Central America, South America and the Caribbean, there are many countries where abortions are illegal and carry long jail sentences when prosecuted and found guilty.

A woman was recently released in El Salvador that served 8 years of a 15 year sentence for presenting to the hospital with her stillbirth child. Without any proven evidence that the mother had self aborted, she was sentenced to serve 15 years. There were approximately 8 women serving long jail sentences after being found guilty of aborting their pregnancy.

Women travel from Canada, the Caribbean, Bahamas, Africa, Japan, the Middle East (UAE and Saudi Arabia), Europe, Sweden, Norway, Finland and other parts of the world to terminate their pregnancies.

Women also travel from all 50 States. Employees and tourists from cruise ships that dock in Port Tampa Bay, Tampa, Fl.; Port Miami, Miami, Fl.; Port Everglades, Ft. lauderdale, Fl. and Port Canaveral in Brevard County Florida.

Direct flights from most States and many parts of the world and its world famous hotels, food and fun Parks, make Florida the top tourist destination place.

Some people use the term circumvention tourism instead of medical tourism or abortion tourism. Circumvention tourism is travel in order to have means of entry to medical services that are lawful in the destination country but banned in the home country.

They all mean the same thing when it comes to ending a unwanted pregnancy and having the abortion procedure performed in a highly safe, protected, private and rightful environment.

Circumvention abortion tourism is not only a term that should be used for women traveling from countries outside the US, but where certain abortion medical services are restricted or illegal to perform in many States within the U.S.A.

All that is required is a government issued Identification to visit a Abortion Clinic in the State of Florida. Whatever country individuals are from does not matter.

It is never an issue of not being able to perform an abortion because it is illegal to do in their own country or State. Maternal or fetal indications are required after 22 weeks gestation.

Contraindications To Using Abortion Pill

There are medical conditions that prevent the use of Abortion Pills to end a pregnancy. Dangers of using abortion pills in certain settings are noted below:

• Ectopic pregnancy- A pregnancy that implants outside the uterus. The most common place is the Fallopian Tube.

• Undiagnosed pelvic mass

• Porphyria

• Chronic use of corticosteroids

• Severe Anemia

• Undiagnosed vaginal bleeding

• Undiagnosed pelvic mass

• Immunocompromised

• Severe Anemia

• Molar Pregnancy

• Severe kidney, liver or heart disease.

• Blood clotting issues

• Unreliable transportation

• Lives more than 2 hours away from medical facility

• Unable to follow directions should avoid risks and complications of abortion.

The risks of abortion by pill are significantly diminished when the abortion pill method is not utilized when women present with the above abnormal medical conditions or situations.

How do the Abortion Pills; – Mifepristone and Misoprostol Terminate a Pregnancy?

Mifepristone and Misoprostol when combined together are successful in terminating pregnancies 94 to 99% of the time.

The mechanism of action in how the pills work to initiate and complete the abortion process is described below.

The technique includes taking two different pills. One is taken at the medical center and the second one at home. In 12 to 72 hours. This helps it to avoid any. From the dangers of unsafe abortion.

The first tablet, mifepristone works by blocking the pregnancy hormone known as progesterone. As a result, the pregnancy stops growing due to it being detached from the uterine wall.

The second pill, Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and the fetal tissue is expelled from the cervix and passes out of the vagina.

How to Use Mifepristone and Misoprostol?

1. The Mifepristone can be swallowed with water or another liquid. It may also be placed underneath the tongue in patients who find it difficult to either swallow pills or very nauseated.

If vomiting does occur within 90 minutes of taking medication, then repeating the dose should be considered.

2. Misoprostol can be taken simultaneously with Mifepristone. It is normally taken 24 to 48 hours after taking Mifepristone.

3. Misoprostol works to help flush out the pregnancy tissue in the uterus. Heavy vaginal bleeding may start within 2 to 3 hours of taking Misoprostol.

Some Physicians recommend taking 800 mg of Ibuprofen 30 minutes to an hour before consuming Misoprostol to reduce the lower pelvic discomfort, chills and low grade fever.

Only Maxi-Pads or a similar brand should be used to monitor the vaginal bleeding.

Please avoid taking risks of using tampons during or after the abortion as they may increase the risk of a serious and potentially deadly infection.

4. Misoprostol can be taken by several routes:

   • • • Swallowing

       • Buccally

       • Sublingually

       • Vaginally

       • Rectally

5. The sublingual (underneath tongue) route has become the most common way to utilize using Misoprostol to terminate a pregnancy in the first trimester.

The tablets should remain under the tongue for approximately 30 minutes. This allows the pills to be absorbed into the bloodstream the fastest.

Utilizing the pills in the first trimester of pregnancy is always safer than waiting until the second trimester to terminate a pregnancy.

The overall risks of abortion in the second trimester of pregnancy are higher due to the greater chance of heavier bleeding or retained pregnancy tissue after the fetus passes. This may require a surgical Dilation and Curettage procedure. The chance of surgery being required is 1% or less.

6. Vomiting may occur in the 30 minutes the Misoprostol is retained underneath the tongue. That is an indication that the medication should be taken again.

If one regurgitates after the pills have remained underneath the tongue for at least 30 minutes, it is not necessary to repeat the dose.

7. If little to no vaginal bleeding occurs after 2 to 3 hours, it may indicate that additional Misoprostol tablets are required.

8. Moderate to heavy bleeding within 3 hours of taking the pill generally indicates the medical abortion process will be successful. There is a small percentage of patients that this is not accurate.

9. A 3 to 4 week follow-up appointment is vital to determine if abortion was successful and the best outcome for the woman’s health.

The appropriate use of Mifepristone and Misoprostol will avoid any risks associated with teenage abortion.

Commonly Asked Questions Related To Abortion Pills

1. Why women choose abortion pills?

The type of abortion method a woman chooses depends on her comfort and preference.

Women choose the abortion pill method because 1) it eliminates the risk of a surgical abortion procedure over 99% of the time, 2) they consider the process as being an extension of of a natural spontaneous miscarriage which occurs in 15 to 30% of pregnancies and 3) it can be performed in the comfort of one’s home.

In simple terms, a Medical Abortion is a safe, effective and a highly efficient method to terminate pregnancies up to 13 weeks of gestation in an outpatient setting noted by extensive observations and studies conducted around the world.

It is advised to always seek a certified abortion clinic or Abortion Pill Doctor to avert the risk of the abortion by pill.

2. At what stage of pregnancy can you take the Abortion Pill?

You can choose the abortion pill method up to 70 days (10 weeks) from the Last Menstrual Period (LMP).

Doing a keyword search online for “late abortion clinics near me” or “best late term abortion pill clinic in the US” should result in finding abortion facilities that terminate pregnancies further than 10 weeks using the abortion pill method.

Second Trimester (14 to 28 weeks) and Third Trimester Abortions (28.1 weeks or further) are commonly performed using the abortion pill method in the US and around the world.

3. What precautions to take before undergoing a medical abortion?

A woman should take certain precautions before and after Mifepristone and Misoprostol tablets. Here are some of them:

• Stop consuming alcohol 72 hours before taking the pill and continue to do so for three weeks after taking the pill

• Restrain from consuming any non-prescribed drugs that are not suggested by your physician

• Make sure you get all the necessary tests done prior to the abortion, including an ultrasound

• Do remember to consume the pill in the timeframe suggested by your physician

• Do not eat anything at the time you take the pill and for 30 minutes after taking the first and the second pill

4. How effective is the abortion pill method?

The success rate of abortion pill method up to 8 weeks gestation is 97-99 percent. From 8-9 weeks, the success rate is approximately 96 to 99 percent. From week 9-10, the success rate of the medical abortion is 94 to 99 percent.

5. What to expect at the abortion clinic?

When you arrive at the abortion clinic, you will fill out a history and health questionnaire. Urine and blood work that consist of pregnancy test, blood type and hematocrit is performed.

A sonogram is performed that dates the pregnancy. Pelvic Ultrasound is able to date a pregnancy of 10 weeks or less pregnant within plus or minus 1 or 2 days. The earlier in weeks the pregnancy, the more accurate the ultrasound is to date a pregnancy.

The counselor then sees the patient who goes over the benefits and risks of the abortion procedure. Questions are asked to determine if patients are being forced to terminate their pregnancy and if they are making the best decision to end the pregnancy.

Birth control options are also discussed. Ovulation can occur within 5 days of terminating a pregnancy. It is encouraged that all patients leave the abortion clinic with some method of birth control.

Once the physician examines you and makes sure that you are eligible for the medical abortion procedure, you will be given written instructions regarding how to take the abortion pills.

The first pill (Mifepristone) is given at the clinic and the second (Misoprostol) is generally taken at home. 24 to 72 hours later. The second pill can be taken at the same time as Mifepristone or up to 120 hours later.

Medical studies show no significant difference in success rate when pills are taken simultaneously or 120 hours afterwards.

Abortion Physician’s may also prescribe medicines to help reduce the pain resulting from uterine cramps and lower abdominal pain.

6. How do I get the abortion pill?

The laws revolving around gaining access to abortion pills in the US are forever changing. The increase in restrictive laws has reached epidemic proportions.

The main purpose of these State Laws are to prevent lawful and legal abortions from happening. It is taking away the woman’s right to choose, freedom and independence. Abortions at any gestation are highly safe and effective to perform at any gestation age using the Abortion Pill Method.

Before opting for an abortion clinic to perform an abortion procedure, one should assure they have the required certifications and have a good reputation.

It is important for abortion clinics to follow all state laws to avert the dangers of a criminal abortion being performed.

The best abortion clinics near you should offer much-needed counseling before proceeding with the medical abortion procedure.

In some states, there is a mandatory waiting period of approximately 24-72 hours between counseling and starting the abortion procedure.

Far right protesters and State Lawmakers are determined to stop all legal abortions in the United States. Their claim is to assure that women are to make the right decision regarding terminating her pregnancy.

In reality, women have spent many hours weighing the advantages and disadvantages of choosing to terminate their pregnancy. The waiting period only serves as an additional financial barrier. Travel, overnight stay in a hotel and food expenses can double or triple the costs related to having an abortion due to the waiting period.

7. What Would Be the Emotional Difficulties?

Experiencing difficulties at a emotional level occur before, during and shortly after the abortion procedure is complete. Coming to the conclusion to have an abortion procedure performed is one of the most difficult in any woman’s life.

Factors in making the decision include moral, ethical, religious, financial and age parameters.

The emotional risks of abortion may include anxiety, feeling sad, or depressed. The majority of women are relieved and are able to move on with their lives.

Having emotional support after ending a pregnancy can be highly beneficial in relieving stress and anxiety. Most psychological problems occur in women with a history of anxiety, depression or other psychological illnesses.

8. Can the effects of the pill be reversed?

There are Physicians in US that tout that the effects of the abortion pill (Mifepristone) can be reversed by using high doses of the hormone Progesterone.

There are no scientific studies that have been done to determine if this method is effective or if there could be detrimental side effects to the mother or fetus.

There was an extensive medical literature review article that came out in 2016 which concluded that giving Progesterone after Mifepristone does not appear to prevent pregnancy loss.

There is a 40 to 65% chance of having an abortion with the use of Mifepristone alone in patient’s who are 8 weeks or less pregnant. So without proper studies being carried out, there is no way to say that using Progesterone to counteract the effects of Mifepristone on the uterus causing abortions has validity.

9. What is RU-486 Pill?

RU 486 is the original name that Mifepristone (Mifeprex, Abortion Pill, French Pill) went by. Research that was being conducted at the French pharmaceutical company Roussel-Uclaf for the development of a glucocorticoid receptor antagonists to treat Cushing’s Disease in 1980. The compound synthesised was initially named RU-38486. It was eventually shortened RU-486. It was discovered to be a progesterone antagonist which causes early pregnancy loss by detaching the fetal tissue from the uterine wall.

10. Can a woman get pregnant in the future?

Undergoing a medical abortion does not prevent one from getting pregnant in the future. Even after having 2 to 3 medical abortions performed, there is no evidence of infertility problems. Abortions do not cause preterm births, premature rupture of membranes, fetal growth restriction or cervical incompetence.

11. How will abortion pills affect your periods?

Having a early abortion performed (35 days) should not delay the next menstrual period. Abortions that are performed further than 35 days can be associated with menses returning 4 to 6 weeks afterwards.

12. Should There Be A Post-Abortion Checkup?

Studies now show that if a pregnancy test is negative 3 to 4 weeks after the medical abortion procedure and the patient is not experiencing any symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, heavy cramping and bleeding or having an elevated temperature a follow-up appointment may not be necessary.

To assure there are no health risks of the abortion pill, most Physicians in the US recommend a return visit where a sonogram and medical examination may be performed.

The follow-up visit is a time to continue the discussion of birth control and to educate patients on Emergency Contraception (Morning After Pill).

Emergency Contraception should always be immediately available after a unprotected event. There is a 96% chance of preventing an unwanted pregnancy if the Morning after Pill is taken within an hour of the mishap.

There are Abortion Clinics that give the Morning After Pill away for Free as part of their inclusive abortion fee.

The most common medication in use for Emergency Contraception is Levonorgestrel 0.2 mg tablets. There are no contraindications to using this pill and it has very minimal side effects.

13. When can you start using birth control after medical abortion?

Birth control can be started immediately after passing the fetal tissue. Ovulation may occur as early as 5 to 6 days after having an abortion and become pregnant.

14. Can You Have Sex After Medical Abortion?

Patients who are 6 weeks or less are able to resume sexual activity on the same day if they wish.

Some Physicians still suggest waiting for 2 to 3 after having the abortion to engage in intercouse due to the possibility of causing a uterine infection. There is no scientific validity that this is true.

Risks and Complications Associated With Abortion Pills

The Abortion pill method is highly safe and has a success rate of 94 to 98 percent. There is a small chance that the medical abortion process fails or side effect may occur. The following are examples:

• Profuse Bleeding: Bleeding after taking the abortion pills is inevitable. Over 99% of women report bleeding after taking the pills. When bleeding does not occur, one must consider that the abortion failed or there is an ectopic pregnancy.

There is the rare chance that the pregnancy is so early (3 weeks), that bleeding does not occur after undergoing the medical abortion.

Heavy vaginal bleeding is defined as utilizing two maxi pads in an hour for two hours in a row. This is an emergent matter and a visit to the Abortion Clinic or Emergency Room may be advised by your Doctor.

This is done to minimize the risks of the oral abortion procedure where in rare cases, a blood transfusion is required.

• Severe Cramping:

Lower abdominal pain and cramping during and after the abortion process is common. The cramps and discomfort vary from woman to woman.

Over 50% of women undergo the Abortion Pill procedure without having to use pain medications. Some Physicians suggest taking ibuprofen or some other form of anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the chance of getting a fever or having discomfort.

Only 8% of women require narcotic medication for pain control.

• Fever That Does Not Go Away: Shivering, sweating and a low grade fever have been noted to occur as soon as 15 minutes after taking Misoprostol. After passing the gestational tissue, these symptoms should subside.

• If temperature is higher than 101.4 at anytime, or a elevation of temperature of 100.4 for 24 hours or longer, the Abortion Doctor should be contacted immediately.

The chart below indicates the further in weeks abortions are performed, the higher the chance of side effects and complications that may occur:

 

PREGNANCY DURATION	% OF WOMEN WITH COMPLICATIONS
0-7 weeks (0-49 days)	2 %
7-9 weeks (40-63 days)	2.5%
9-10 weeks (64-70 days)	2.7%
10-11 weeks (71-77 days)	3.3%
11-12 weeks (77-84 days)	5.1%
12-13 weeks (85-91 days)	8%

 

Complications Related To Abortion Pills

1. Incomplete Abortion: There is a 1 to 2% chance that small amounts of fetal and pregnancy tissue may remain inside the uterus. This may causes lower abdominal cramps off and on, vaginal bleeding tissue or fever. Misoprostol tablets may be given or a surgical vacuum aspiration may be necessary to remove the retained products of conception.

2. Vulnerability to Endometritis: When the inner lining of the uterus becomes inflamed, it is called endometritis. If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain, fever, off and on heavy vaginal bleeding, and low grade temperature, one may have endometritis.

Endometritis alone is not life-threatening but may become so if the inflammation and bacterial infection spreads to the muscle of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries or further to other pelvic organs and the blood stream.

Your physician would consider prescribing antibiotics and repeating the Misoprostol tablet dosage or opting for a Surgical D&C.

If left untreated, there would be a risk of chemical abortion leading to long term problems with a woman’s reproductive organs such as chronic pelvic pain and infertility.

3. Teratogenic Risk:

There is a small chance that Misoprostol fails to end an abortion. A ongoing pregnancy after taking misoprostol may occur.

Between 8 to 11 weeks of pregnancy, having a continuous pregnancy after taking Misoprostol may be associated with vascular disruption of the fetal placenta.

Lack of oxygen and nutrition supply to the fetus may be cut off and compromised. This leads to rare congenital defects that primarily involve the face, head and upper and lower extremities.

The chance of deformities like clubfoot, nerve anomalies, Moebius Syndrome and lack of fingers and toes is between 1 in 3000 to 1 in 10,000 during the narrow gestational period of 8 to 11 weeks pregnant.

4. Uterine Rupture:

The dosage amount of Misoprostol given seems to have little impact on uterine rupture. The side effects and complications associated with taking Misoprostol are far less when utilizing lower total dosage amounts to end a pregnancy.

Women who have a uterine scar from previous surgery (ie C-Section), having a higher incidence of uterine rupture when using Misoprostol to terminate a pregnancy in any trimester.

A study showed that when using lower doses of Mifepristone and Misoprostol, uterine rupture did not occur in women who had a previous C-Section. This certainly appears a way to prevent and avoid the complications of abortion with Misoprostol.

5. A possibility of Hemorrhage:

Though rare, women are admitted to the hospital due to heavy vaginal bleeding after taking the abortion pill. This is commonly due to incomplete abortion, failure of the uterus to contract properly, uterine rupture or undiagnosed blood clotting abnormality.

These possibilities must be evaluated, diagnosed and acted upon immediately to save the woman’s life. It may include giving a blood transfusion.

6. Infection or Sepsis:

Whether a medical abortion, in-clinic abortion, a normal vaginal delivery or C-section, uterine and pelvic infections may occur.

Symptoms of pelvic infections include headache, lightheadedness, chills, fever, vaginal bleeding, lower abdominal cramps and foul smelly fluid vaginal discharge, diarrhea, nausea and prolonged weakness.

A serious bacterial infection such as Clostridium sordellii may spread to the pelvis and major organs throughout the body. This may cause death from sepsis within 24 hours after taking the abortion pill.

This rapid fulminant sepsis and maternal death is not unique with taking Mifepristone and Misoprostol for abortion. It also occurs in women who have a spontaneous abortion, normal term vaginal deliveries, C-Sections and other Gynecological surgeries.

The incidence of maternal death is 0.063% in women undergoing a medical abortion. It is 12 times safer than a term vaginal delivery or C-Section.

7. Undiagnosed Ectopic Pregnancy:

Pregnancies that implant outside of the uterus is called an ectopic pregnancy. The most common to place that ectopic pregnancies occur is the Fallopian Tube. They may also occur in the cervix, ovary, pelvis, liver, spleen or diaphragm.

Ectopic pregnancies are prone to grow large enough to erupt and cause a woman to bleed to death in a matter of minutes. It is still a major cause of maternal death during pregnancy in the world and the U.S. today.

There are Chinese studies that appear to indicate that women who undergo an ultra early abortion (<28 days pregnant), the incidence of ectopic pregnancy is minimal or zero.

The question then arises if using Mifepristone in ultra early pregnancies prevents or treats ectopic pregnancy. This is an area where further study is required.

The normal incidence of ectopic pregnancy in the reproductive age population is 1 to 2%.

With a near zero chance of ectopic pregnancies occurring in ultra early pregnancies using the abortion pill method, is a reason for all women to have an abortion right before or within 2 or 3 days of missing her menstrual period.

The risk of medical abortion is minimal and less medication is required to terminate the pregnancy when undergoing an ultra early abortion pill procedure.

8. Death:

This was discussed briefly earlier. Complications from ectopic pregnancy, severe hemorrhage and sepsis are the most common reasons for maternal death.

The above complications leading to maternal death is why all women should be under medical supervision when undergoing the abortion pill process. Abortions should be safe, legal and rare.

What To Do In Case Of Complications Arising From Medical Abortion?

The complications of incomplete abortion may be resolved with taking additional doses of Mifepristone or undergoing a surgical vacuum aspiration procedure. For patients who are asymptomatic with retained tissue observed on sonogram, medical observation may only be required.

Vacuum aspiration is implemented only when women experience heavy bleeding, fever, or moderate to severe abdominal pain after an abortion.

Common Side Effects Related To Abortion Pills

A medical abortion not only affects a woman physically but psychologically as well. Common complications and side effects that occur after taking the abortion pill to end a pregnancy are the following:

1. Cramps/Abdominal Pain:

Experiencing lower abdominal and uterine cramps beginning within 15 to 30 minutes after taking Misoprostol tablets occurs in nearly 90% of cases. The further along in weeks of pregnancy, the greater chance of experiencing moderate to severe discomfort and pain.

The pain experienced is similar to a woman’s menstrual period. The pain intensity varies from woman to woman. Statistics show that only up to 8% of women require narcotics for pain when undergoing the medical abortion procedure.

There are special techniques that can be applied to reduce the incidence of severe pain and discomfort during the abortion pill process that are proprietary.

Physician’s are able to prescribe medications for pain management during the abortion process.

2. Bleeding:

The average time a woman has vaginal bleeding during the medical abortion procedure is 5 to 16 days. 8 % of patients bleed up to 30 days and 1% bleed up to 60 days.

The vaginal bleeding in general is heavier than normal menstrual periods. Large blood clots the size of lemons may also occur in the first 3 to 4 hours of taking Misoprostol but subsides after the fetal tissue passes.

3. Vulnerability to Diarrhea

Loose stools or diarrhea is common after taking the Misoprostol doses commonly used to end pregnancies. The diarrhea generally stops as soon as the pregnancy tissue passes. If it continues for 24 hours or longer, it is a indication to call the Abortion Clinic immediately.

Drinking water throughout the abortion process is very important to do. Remaining hydrated reduces the chance of complications and side effect associated with the non-surgical abortion procedure.

4. Nausea and Vomiting:

Nausea, vomiting and dizziness are other common side effects when undergoing the medical abortion procedure. Medication to help alleviate vomiting can be prescribed.

If vomiting occurs within an hour of taking the abortion pill, it is recommended that it be taken again.

5. Fever & Headaches:

Misoprostol is associated with an elevated temperature in approximately 25 to 75% of patients. Normally the fever is mild and resolves immediately after the fetal tissues passes or within an hour postpartum.

Patients who experience chills and fever for 24 hours or longer needs to be evaluated by medical personnel or the Abortion Doctor immediately. This may be a sign of one of the dangers of medical abortion; fulminant sepsis.

6. Smelly Vaginal Discharge:

A vaginal discharge that is liquid and white in appearance and is filthy, rotten and foul smelling, may be another indication of a severe underlying infection. This condition is abnormal and may be another risk of abortion by pill.

Before this issue becomes unbearable and possibly life threatening, it is advised to visit the abortion facility or physician that prescribed the medical abortion pills.

7. Depression:

Experiencing mild depression after the abortion pill procedure may occur but is not prevalent. A sense of relief is the typical feeling that occurs after the abortion is complete.

Moderate to severe depression rarely is associated with an abortion procedure. This mostly occurs in women with history of anxiety, depression, other psychological illnesses or women who have no support from their friends or family member’s

Aspects Of Recovering After Abortion

Women who are 6 weeks or less undergoing an abortion procedure generally do not have to take time off from work or school. They are able to resume all of their normal activities including engaging in sexual intercourse if they choose to do so.

There is no certain answer on how a woman will feel after an abortion. After undergoing an abortion pill procedure further than 6 weeks in gestation, it may beneficial to relax and rest in bed up to 24 hours. Prolonged standing, running or lifting heavy should be avoided for 3 to 5 days.

On your query of “what are the risks of abortion pill”, there are minimal to no long term negative risk factors associated with the abortion pill procedure.

After the abortion process is complete, women may experience breast tenderness and a milky nipple discharge for 5 to 10 days.

Tips on Recovery after Medical Abortion

After the abortion pill process is started, one should take certain steps to alleviate risks and complications of abortion:

• Cramps may be alleviated by applying a warm water bag on heating pad to the lower abdominal and pelvic area, uterine massage, warm showers, sitting on the toilet or walking around.

• Get adequate rest

• Do not use tampons until the next period as doing so may increases the chance of uterine infection

• Women should engage in sexual inntercourse when they feel comfortable to do so.

• Do not go swimming or take a bath for 5 days

• In case of excess pain or discomfort, one may take doctor-prescribed medication or OTC pain relievers

• Make sure you have appointments with your doctor during and after your recovery period. This will help alleviate any serious or common risks of abortion.

Other Medical Abortion (Non Surgical) Methods and Their Side Effects

Before the common abortion pill method using the combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostol, either Misoprostol was used alone or the combination of Methotrexate and Misoprostol.

1. Misoprostol Alone:

Misoprostol alone is less effective in terminating pregnancies than using the combination of Mifepristone and Misoprostol. There is also a higher incidence of abortion failure (continued pregnancy, incomplete abortions) when using Misoprostol alone.

Misoprostol use by itself is 85 to 94% successful in ending pregnancies in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancies. It also takes a longer time to complete the abortion process.

2. Methotrexate & Misoprostol (MTX)

The combined use of Methotrexate and Misoprostol was frequently used to end pregnancies prior to approval of Mifepristone in Sept. 2000 for pregnancy terminations up to 49 days.

Methotrexate has been used for the treatment of many types of cancers since the 1950’s. It was observed to cause early spontaneous miscarriages in women who knowingly knew they were pregnant. Methotrexate is used to treat women who have choriocarcinoma or Hydatidiform Molar pregnancies.

Over the past 40 years, ectopic pregnancies have been treated using methotrexate in women who meet certain criteria.

Almost simultaneously with using Methotrexate to treat ectopic pregnancies, was the use to terminate pregnancies in the first 7 weeks of gestation. Methotrexate is able to target special cells that produce the hormone HCG that is responsible for the production of Progesterone by the corpus luteum. Without the presence of progesterone, there can be no fetal growth.

Misoprostol tablets are given 5 to 7 days after taking Methotrexate. This causes the uterus to contract and vaginal bleeding to occur with the fetus and gestational tissue being expelled.

Risks and Side Effects of MTX Method

Side effects using the MTX method include the following:

• Headaches and dizziness

• Stomatitis (lesions occur around the lips and mouth)

• Skin rash

• Skin sensitivity to the sun

• Contraindicated for patients who have liver, lung or kidney disease

• Pancytopenia (low blood count including platelets)

• Severe infection

• The failure rate using this method is 2 to 10%

Conclusion

Using the abortion pill method is highly safe and effective in terminating pregnancies in the first, second and third trimester of pregnancies. Late term abortions are commonly performed around the world utilizing the abortion pill method only.

The abortion pill method is most commonly used up to 10 weeks in many abortion facilities in the US. The increase in popularity is due to avoiding the risks and complications of abortion.

One must seek out Physicians who have the experience, knowledge and expertise in using the Abortion Pill method to terminate pregnancies at any gestational age if maternal or fetal criteria are met.

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The Fort Lauderdale Women’s Center is Offering The One Hour Abortion Pill Procedure – 3 to 14 Weeks. Patients who qualify may receive a significant discount in the price of the procedure if they meet certain criteria.

Call Us Now For Same Day Appointment.

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Dr James S Pendergraft Orlando Abortion Clinic, www.womencenter.com.