Many people believe that terminating a pregnancy is as easy as popping a mifepristone and misoprostol pill, and calling it a day. However, the truth is far from this. There are a lot of precautions that a woman needs to take, both before and after a termination of pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss in depth the journey that comes after taking the abortion pill. We also take a look at the common side effects, some effective ways to recover, and how to manage pain. Time to jump right in!
The Medical Abortion Process: What Happens After Taking The Abortion Pill?
Medical abortion or abortion via pills is a process that involves taking two types of medications, namely: mifepristone and misoprostol. The first step of the process is to take the mifepristone tablet as soon as possible. The role of mifepristone is to block the progesterone hormone, which is also known as the pregnancy hormone. This stops the pregnancy from developing further and also helps to break down the uterine lining, which simply detaches the embryo from the uterus.
The next step in the process is taking the misoprostol tablet. This is taken 24-48 hours after the mifepristone, and is responsible for the expulsion of the pregnancy from the uterus. Misoprostol does so by inducing contractions in the uterus. It is this that causes the pregnancy tissue to break down. This will usually be accompanied by bleeding and cramp-like symptoms, which are quite normal during this process.
Together, the above two medications mimic miscarriage-like symptoms. Medical abortion with pills is a safe and non-invasive way to terminate pregnancy. According to the RCOG, in the UK you can have an abortion up to 23 weeks and 6 days of pregnancy. Most clinics offer medical abortion up to 10 weeks of gestation. After this point, you will need to seek a surgical termination of pregnancy. Your chosen clinic will be able to advise you on the most appropriate options for you. It is important to get help from a registered abortion clinic to ensure a safe procedure and appropriate support throughout and after the procedure.
Common Physical Symptoms
When it comes to the symptoms of medical abortion, as discussed above, bleeding and cramping are some of the most commonly experienced symptoms after taking abortion pills. However, in some rare cases, women have also experienced instances of excessive bleeding, strong abdominal pains, vaginal discharge and constant high fever, all of which require urgent medical help as these are uncommon side effects. With abortion pills, there is a chance that the pregnant tissue is not fully expelled from the body, and this can lead to complications in a handful of cases. It’s important to get professional help if you have any concerns.
Most symptoms mentioned above will require time to recover from, especially vaginal bleeding, which can last up to a few weeks after taking the pills. Other common symptoms experienced during medical abortion can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever, but those are usually transitory in nature and may only last up to 24 hours after taking the pills. Taking proper downtime to heal physically and emotionally should be the topmost priority.
It’s important to bear in mind that there are certain health conditions that mean you may not be eligible for medical abortion pills, as they can lead to complications such as excessive bleeding. This is just one of the reasons seeking care from a registered abortion provider is so important when you are ordering the abortion pill online. While mifepristone and misoprostol are considered to be very safe, an experienced abortion clinic will do what it can to protect you from any possible medical interactions, thereby safeguarding your pregnancy termination journey. Their team of expert medical professionals will be on hand to support you throughout your journey, both before and after the procedure.
Pain Management and Self-Care Tips
When it comes to the procedure itself, another topic that demands our focus is pain management. During the abortion, you are likely to experience some pain in the form of bad period cramps. Your abortion provider should provide you with pain relief and advise you about additional steps you can take to alleviate the pain. Here are a few tips that can help make your recovery more comfortable:
- Use heat pads or hot water bottles for the pain
- Keep yourself hydrated and drink plenty of water
- Eat nutritious and balanced meals that are light on the gut
- Take proper rest and try to maintain a healthy sleep schedule
- Avoid stressful and strenuous activities
- Stock up on sanitary towels in advance
- Do not hesitate to seek expert help if something doesn’t seem quite right
What many women fail to realise is how the abortion procedure can be emotionally challenging as well. Surrounding yourself with loved ones, doing things that interest you, practicing mindfulness and most of all, initiating a healthy communication medium with your partner and/or family can really make a big difference to your recovery journey. However, if you find it difficult to speak to people you know, talking to a professional therapist can also be beneficial. Their support can not only help you process your thoughts and navigate through the emotional struggles that you may be facing, but also provide a shift in perspective towards the whole situation.
The Next Steps
Although the abortion procedure itself – taking two types of pills – is quite straightforward, terminating a pregnancy is without a doubt an emotionally and physically taxing procedure.
Preparing a robust support system and learning all you can about what to expect at all stages of abortion are a few of how you can navigate your journey through pregnancy termination. Coupling this with self-care, including lifestyle changes such as eating healthily, taking ample rest, giving yourself time to relax, and avoiding stressful and strenuous activities, can have a positive impact on your experience. If you have any questions about the abortion process, it is best to contact one of the clinics you are considering to put your mind at ease. Remember, your body, your choice. You are not alone in this, and help is always available.
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