The whole process and precautions of medical abortion

Currently, the commonly used drugs are the combined use of mifepristone and prostaglandins. The former causes degeneration and necrosis of the uterine decidua and softening of the cervix, while the latter causes uterine contraction and promotes the expulsion of the embryo.

The advantages of medical abortion are: simple, effective, non-invasive, and avoidance of complications caused by uterine cavity operation. Currently, it is mostly used to terminate pregnancy within 49 days of amenorrhea.

The entire process of medical abortion and strict screening before medication include inquiring about medical history, conducting a full physical and gynecological examination, laboratory tests such as urine pregnancy test, vaginal cleanliness, Trichomonas and fungi, blood routine and blood type, and B-ultrasound examination to understand the size and position of the embryonic sac to help determine whether medical abortion is suitable.

The doctor will explain in detail the method of taking the medication, the efficacy of the medication and possible side effects, and the medication can only be used after obtaining consent.

Common dosage: Mifepristone dosage is 150-200 mg, which can be taken all at once or in divided doses within 3 days. On the 3rd day, go to the hospital to add prostaglandin preparations: 1 mg of Carprostol suppository placed in the vagina or 600 micrograms of misoprostol taken orally. Observe in the hospital for 6 hours.

Monitoring during abortion: During the hospitalization observation period, in addition to paying attention to blood pressure, pulse, and drug side effects, all urine and feces must be kept in a clean bedpan, and a dedicated person will check and record the presence of a gestational sac and the time of its discharge, the size of the gestational sac, and the amount of bleeding. If there is active bleeding before and after the discharge of the gestational sac, uterotonic drugs or immediate curettage can be given to stop the bleeding.

If the fetal sac has not been expelled after 6 hours of observation and the bleeding is not too severe, you can go home and follow up on the date prescribed by the doctor. If tissue is expelled at home, it must be brought to the doctor for examination.

Side effects of medical abortion The dosage of mifepristone, a medical abortion drug currently used, is only 1/4 to 1/3 of the original dosage, so the side effects are not obvious, mainly aggravating early pregnancy reactions and fatigue. The side effects of prostaglandins are mainly gastrointestinal reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lower abdominal pain due to uterine contractions. Some people have symptoms such as fever, dizziness, skin flushing and numbness. To prevent or treat gastrointestinal side effects, compound phenethylamine or metoclopramide can be taken before and after medication. For severe abdominal pain, pethidine or atropine analgesics and antispasmodics can be given. However, avoid using indomethacin, flufenamic acid or salicylic acid preparations that counteract prostaglandins.

Precautions after abortion: You need to stay in the hospital for 6 hours after the tissue is discharged. If the vaginal bleeding is not too much, you can go home and rest.

Get adequate rest within 2 weeks after abortion, eat nutritious food, and avoid doing heavy physical labor.

Pay attention to the cleanliness of the perineum. Avoid bathing and sexual intercourse when vaginal bleeding has not stopped.