Women who are eight weeks pregnant (or less) can opt for medical abortion if they don’t wish to continue with the pregnancy. Medical abortion is a type of early abortion; it is performed by the administration of a combination of medications given to the pregnant woman, under the supervision of experienced physicians.

During the initial visit to the office, patients are given the first medication to be taken orally. A second medication is given to be given 24 to 72 hours later from the privacy of the patient’s home. The second medication causes contractions of the uterus which causes a miscarriage. These medications are FDA approved, and when used in combination, are 95-97% effective, taken within two weeks.

The hormone progesterone is required to maintain a pregnancy. The initial pill that is given in the clinic blocks this hormone. As a result, the uterine lining start to shed, the cervix begins to soften and bleeding may occur at this point. When the second medication is taken sometime later, the uterus starts contracting and the pregnancy is expelled, usually within six to eight hours.

Patients may choose when they would like to take the second medication; of course this must be within the time frame of twenty four to seventy-two hours after the first one medication taken during the initial visit. This allows patients some flexibility and control over when the pregnancy is expelled and when they will begin experiencing the side effects of cramping and bleeding. For some women, Medical Abortion is preferable because of the privacy it provides. Other women find it empowering because it allows them to play an active role in the whole process.

When patients visit the clinic for the first time, an ultrasound is conducted to ensure that they are less than eight weeks pregnant. Experienced counselors are available, to explain how the medications work and to answer questions. Health history is reviewed and if determined is satisfactory, patients can be given the first medication to take orally. The second medication will be sent home with the patient, and must be taken within twenty- four to seventy-two hours after taking the first medication.

Patients may start bleeding soon after taking the first medication at the clinic. The bleeding may vary from woman to woman as women’s bodies are different. Some may experience light bleeding, similar to spotting at the end of a menstrual period. Others may experience heavier bleeding similar to that of a regular menstrual period, or it may be more like a heavy period. Some women do not bleed at all until they take the second medication.

When the second medication has been taken, bleeding, clotting and cramping may start within twenty minutes. Most women will miscarry within the next six to eight hours. The cramping may increase and decrease in intensity, and may come and go in waves. Very heavy bleeding with large clots may take place. At this time, the embryo will pass, but may not be seen because it is very small. The amount of bleeding that occurs with the Medical Abortion may be much heavier than with the aspiration abortion.