Ending Pregnancy with Medicines – How effective is it?
Ending Pregnancy with Medicines – How effective is it?
Ending pregnancies with medicines or Medical Abortion is a perfectly safe and legal way to end a pregnancy. Abortion up to and before 12 weeks of pregnancy is considered to be medically safe for the mother and her uterus if she wants to conceive in the future. Abortion can be done through abscission (surgical abortion) or some pills commonly referred to as ‘The Abortion Pill’.
The Abortion Pill is a combination of two medications, namely mifepristone and misoprostol, together known as the MTP Kit. The Kit contains Mifepristone, which is taken first and works by blocking the receptors for progesterone in the uterine wall which is a hormone necessary to sustain a pregnancy. It makes the growing fetus segregate from the site of implantation i.e., the endometrium. Misoprostol is taken a little while after taking the primary pill, usually a day or two, ordinarily at home, and works by causing cramping that purges the uterus, similar to a hefty period.
Who can use the abortion pill?
The abortion pill is generally used to terminate early pregnancy. It feels like more of a natural process. It is usually considered to be the best option to complete an early miscarriage or end an unwanted pregnancy. Also, women suffering from different diseases like genetic diseases, auto-immune disorders, abnormal placenta development, etc., are generally at risk of early miscarriage and should remove their fetus using the abortion pill.
There are cases of ectopic pregnancy which are unsafe for the mother and need to be removed asap. Some women who live in rural areas lack proper medical facilities, so medical abortion is best suited in this condition. Few women who are unable to understand the surgical procedure and also have fear of aspiration can take the abortion pill.
What happens during a Medical Abortion?
The first pill, i.e., Mifepristone 200 mg, is similar to norethindrone, which competitively inhibits the progesterone with its affinity at its receptor and thus works as an antiprogestin. Mifepristone weakens the attachment of the fetus with the endometrium lining of the uterus.
Initially, it binds with the endometrium lining of the uterus and influences the hairlike endothelial cells of the decidua layer. Bleeding results due to the separation of the fetus’ trophoblast layer from the decidua layer of the maternal wall. Ultimately, the medication mollifies the cervix which facilitates the removal of the embryo.
The second pill, i.e Misoprostol 200 mcg, is placed in the vagina or in between cheeks or gums. urther, 2 more tablets are given if no bleeding occurs within the first 24 hours. This medication causes strong cramps in the uterine walls as your body realizes the pregnancy is no longer progressing. Bleeding happens like a period, with a heavier flow and strong uterine contractions eventually expel the embryo.
What it feels like after the abortion?
The whole process usually gets completed in 2 or 3 days but in some cases can take more. Just after the consumption of the second pill, you may start to feel minor abdominal cramps. As the pill causes the uterus bloodline to shed, there is nothing to feel nauseous after seeing blood. Clots should not be bigger than the size of a lemon, although the size may vary. Bleeding is reduced and eventually stops after some days, once the pregnancy passes.
How effective is the abortion pill?
Most women have been using medical abortion safely in the world for more than 20 years. Although there are some risks, most of them are treatable. In some cases, an incomplete abortion can take place in which the embryo is not expelled out. For this, you have to visit your doctor to have a surgical procedure to remove the pregnancy.
Some other risks associated with medical abortion include:
- Remains of fetal tissue or blood clots in the uterus
- Excessive bleeding for many days
- Allergic response to the abortion pill
- Severe pain and fever after 24 hours of medication
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea which lasts more than one or two days
It is very unlikely that you are still pregnant, so, is usually prescribed to get an ultrasound after two weeks or a pregnancy test after 3-4 weeks confirms the successful abortion. The abortion procedure may affect your pregnancy for a few months, so if you have any plans to get pregnant in the future, talk with your doctor. Like other medications, there are chances that the abortion pill may not be the right option for you due to certain immune responses or medical conditions. Sit with your medical professional beforehand and discuss all the issues and doubts related to the procedure.
