Medical abortion for what gestational age? Common hazards

The article is professionally consulted by a doctor from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Nha Trang International Hospital.

Medical abortion is safe when performed at a reputable medical facility, and under the supervision of a specialist. Absolutely, do not arbitrarily perform a medical abortion at home. Because if used improperly, it will easily lead to serious consequences such as bleeding, mid-term miscarriage, incomplete placenta, or even loss of motherhood.

Medical abortion is a method of using a combination of two drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, to terminate a pregnancy. The drug will stop the fetus from growing and cause contractions of the uterus to push the fetus out like a miscarriage. This method is effective in terminating pregnancy up to 96-98%.
This method is performed when abortion is 7 weeks old by medication or less (counting from the first day of the last menstrual period), the fetus has entered the mother's uterus and the mother's health is guaranteed, not suffer from medical and gynecological diseases such as heart disease, blood pressure.
Therefore, medical abortion is safe only when the pregnant woman and the age of the fetus meet the conditions of medical abortion. Pregnant women have been examined at reputable and quality medical facilities.

The medical staff will ask some health questions, explain the abortion process and advise on contraceptive methods. Need to sign an abortion agreement. After that, you will be examined and carry out the necessary tests to be able to make the correct choice for the termination of the fetus. After the examination, the pregnant woman will be prescribed the first pill under the direct supervision of a gynecologist. The drug works by stopping the growth of the fetus, causing the gestational sac to detach from the wall of the uterus of the pregnant woman. After taking the first pill, if there is no abnormality, the pregnant woman can go home to rest. After about 2 days, the pregnant woman will have to return to the medical facility for the doctor to examine and continue to use the second pill. The second pill has the effect of pushing the fetus out. At this time, you will feel abdominal pain because the uterus is contracting to push the fetus out. Being closely monitored for nearly 4 hours and almost every 30 minutes, the gynecologist will measure your blood pressure, pulse, and ability status. If the drug responds well, the pregnant woman can go home.

Usually within 30 minutes to 4 hours after taking Misoprostol, the patient will have abdominal pain, heavy bleeding and blood clots when the fetus is expelled. Most women have menstrual-like bleeding within 10 days of taking the pill, however a small number of women may experience light bleeding that lasts nearly a month.

Although medical abortion has a very high success rate, it still carries many risks. When abortion 1 month old with medication to 7 weeks old, there will be the following risks:
Allergy to the abortion pill May be as mild as urticaria, rash or as severe as difficulty breathing, dizziness, drop in blood pressure;
Nausea, diarrhea or vomiting During a miscarriage, you will experience these symptoms. These are normal symptoms and will go away in a short time, no special treatment is needed. You will be prescribed a pain reliever, such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to relieve the pain, or you can also use a hot water bottle or warm towel to apply to your abdomen.
Headache and dizziness After taking Misoprostol, you will feel headache, dizziness. Drink plenty of water or juice, absolutely do not drink coffee or alcohol, and take pain relievers if necessary.
Fever for several hours, sometimes accompanied by chills Some women will have this symptom and it will pass quickly and is not dangerous.
Hemorrhage, bleeding The phenomenon of heavy bleeding such as menstruation, bleeding, may be accompanied by menstrual pain. The severity of abdominal pain varies from person to person, depending on the physical condition of each person. However, if the bleeding lasts for a long time, plus abdominal pain, if not treated promptly, it can lead to anemia, fainting, and coma. Moreover, prolonged bleeding without proper hygiene of the intimate area makes the risk of gynecological infections completely possible.
Gynecological infections Although not directly using medical instruments that affect the uterus, the pharmacodynamics of abortion pills can still cause certain injuries. If you do not clean the genitals or do not have a way to treat these long-term injuries, there is a risk of infection.
Causes endocrine disorders The use of abortion pills can affect the ovaries and the ovulation process, leading to hormonal disorders in the body, even long-term disorders. This makes it possible to ovulate later or earlier, causing menstrual cycles to fluctuate shorter or longer than usual.
Still pregnant after taking the drug To avoid this situation, it is necessary to take the drug according to the prescribed regimen; an ultrasound check after taking the medicine to make sure there is no pregnancy. The second is because the pregnancy has been completely expelled, but subjectively thinking that she has not had a period, she has not applied birth control when having sex.
Risk of ectopic pregnancy These cases are often detected late and hospitalized with ruptured ectopic pregnancy, causing shock. The most common cause is the use of drugs when the location of the pregnancy mass is unknown and the abnormal signs of ectopic pregnancy are not noticed.
Women should also not abuse this method for frequent abortions. Repeated abortion, regardless of method, also causes the uterine wall to be worn down and weakened, leading to difficulty getting pregnant, miscarriage or abnormal implantation.
Therefore, when you are not ready to have children, use safe sex methods to avoid unwanted pregnancy and STDs. The recommended methods of contraception are: condoms, combined oral contraceptives.