This information is to advise you of what to expect and do after a medical
abortion and also what to do should the unexpected occur. As it is true with
any medical procedure however, unexpected and unavoidable complication can
occur.
You have received mifepristone, the first of two medications necessary to
complete a medical abortion.
You have been given a copy of the consent form, which describes in detail
what is expected of you and what you should and should not do. We have summarized
the important Do's and Don'ts on this form.
You have chosen the alternative plan, therefore you are to return to the WHO
clinic as instructed 24, 48, or 72 hours after your visit. At that time Misoprostol
will be inserted vaginally by the physician. You will also be scheduled for
your final follow-up visit at this time.
EXPECTATIONS:
Expect cramping and bleeding for the next 1 to 10 hours after insertion of
misoprostol.
Drink plenty of fluids (avoid alcohol), and eat lightly.
Monitor your bleeding. Un-dissolved tablets can come out after you begin to
bleed, however in most cases enough of the tablets have been absorbed in order
for them to still be effective.
EMERGENCY:
It is rare to have an emergency, but important to be prepared. You should
have an emergency plan including how to call us, who might drive you, and
directions to our facility. CONTACT US AT the clinic Emergency number given.
WHEN TO CALL FOR HELP:
If you think you need emergency care because of:
· Excessive bleeding (soaking 4 pads over 2 hours)
· Excessive cramping or pain (not relieved by prescribed pain medication)
· Fever of 100.4 or higher
· Severe vomiting or diarrhea
Call the emergency numbers before taking yourself to another physician's office
or emergency room. When you call be prepared with the following information:
Telephone number of a convenient, open pharmacy
Your temperature within the last hour
The number of pads you have used within the last hour.
AFTERCARE:
Breast Tenderness
Any pregnancy-related breast tenderness should disappear within a few days.
If you are producing a milky discharge from your breast, use an absorbent
material inside a snug fitting bra. The discharge should stop in a day or
two.
Nausea
Nausea should stop within 24-48 hours
Fatigue
Because of the sudden change in body hormones following an abortion, you may
experience a feeling of fatigue and/or mild depression for a few days.
Activity
You can resume normal activity-school, work, driving, as directed. Avoid strenuous
activity, such as heavy exercise, swimming, lifting, horseback riding etc.
for at least two weeks.
Sexual Intercourse
Because of the risk of post-abortion infection, and because you may become
pregnant within a few days after the abortion, you should not have intercourse
until after you've had your post abortion check up.
Contraception
You may be able to get pregnant very soon after your abortion. We advise you
not to have intercourse until after your check up.
Diet
You may eat whatever you like. If you have been experiencing nausea, however,
you may feel better if you eat cautiously.
Tampons or pads?
Also because of the possibility of infection, you should use sanitary napkins
rather than tampons after your abortion. Douching is not permitted until after
your 14 day check up.
YOUR CHECK-UP
Your check-up should be scheduled 14 days from your initial visit. You will
be given an exam, pregnancy test, and ultrasound to determine whether the
abortion is complete. Do not hesitate to contact us and return to the clinic
at any time during your care.
Most women (90%) have completed the abortion by the date of their check-up.
If your pregnancy has continued (about 1%), a suction abortion will be scheduled
as soon as possible.
If your pregnancy has not continued, but has not passed from your uterus (about
5%), you may either:
a. Use a second dose of misoprostol and return for a check up in one week,
or
b. Elect to have a surgical abortion.
A suction abortion will be scheduled if you have not passed your pregnancy
within 5 weeks of your initial visit or if the doctor advises a suction abortion
be performed.
SUCTION ABORTION POSSIBILITY
Medical abortion is over 95% effective. Some women will need a suction procedure
to complete the process if the medications are not fully effective or in the
event of excessive bleeding. Both mifepristone and misoprostol are likely
to increase the risk of birth defects. Continuing pregnancy is NOT recommended
once you have taken one or both of these medications.
Call us immediately at the clinic if you are experiencing any problems or
have any questions.
Raleigh Women's Health Organization,
Inc.
3613 Haworth Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
919-783-0444
Delaware Women's Health Organization
312 Mitch Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19804
302-992-7996
Columbus Women's Health Organization
3850 Rosemont Drive, Columbus GA 31904
703-323-8363
Jackson Women's Health Organization,
Inc.
2903 North State Street, Jackson, Mississippi 39216
601-366-2261

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