MEDICAL OR MEDICATION ABORTION
A medical or medication abortion uses Mifepristone or Mifeprex or RU-486 to terminate an early pregnancy. [1] This method is used up to 70 days after the first day of the woman’s last menstrual period. In Oklahoma, only a physician licensed to practice medicine in Oklahoma, can provide Mifepristone. [2] And, the gestational age of the baby must be determined by ultrasound before any of these medications are prescribed. [3]
Most commonly a combination of two pills, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, are given. [4] The pills are taken in two doses. The first pill, Mifepristone, is taken at a doctor’s office or clinic and must be taken in front of the physician. [5] The second pill, Misoprostol, is taken at home within 6 to 48 hours after taking Mifepristone.
Another visit to the doctor's office or clinic is required 11 to 17 days after taking Misoprostol. [6] It is essential that a women return for this visit because the doctor is checking for an incomplete abortion or an ongoing pregnancy. More medication or a surgical procedure may be required to correct either condition. It can take anywhere from a day up to four weeks for the completion of a medical abortion.
RISK AND COMPLICATIONS
There are several risk and complications that can occur during a medical abortion. [7] Some of them are:
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Bleeding - Vaginal bleeding can last on average 9 to 16 days. Bleeding is normally heavier than a normal period.
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Abdominal Pain and Cramping – Most women feel cramping that is more severe than normal menstrual cramping
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Infection – Cases of bacterial infections including very rare cases of septic shock.
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Surgical Abortion – A medical abortion can fail requiring a surgical abortion to complete the procedure.
DO YOU KNOW
Eleven weeks after conception, a baby can open their mouth and suck their thumb. [8] They can grasp things, sigh, and stretch to get comfortable. The baby's face, feet, and hands can sense touch.