Medication abortion, also known as “the abortion pill,” offers a non-surgical method to end an early pregnancy. This process involves taking two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone necessary for pregnancy to continue. Following this, misoprostol is taken, which causes the uterus to contract and expel pregnancy tissue. This method is highly effective, with success rates ranging from 91.6% to 99.7% depending on gestational age and medication administration.
Recognizing an Incomplete Abortion
After taking medication abortion pills, individuals experience bleeding and cramping, similar to a heavy period, as pregnancy tissue is expelled. However, if the abortion is incomplete, signs and symptoms may become apparent. A primary indicator is a lack of expected bleeding or cramping, or bleeding that is significantly lighter than anticipated.
Persistent pregnancy symptoms, such as nausea, breast tenderness, or fatigue, can also suggest the abortion was not complete. Another sign is a continued positive pregnancy test after the expected timeframe. These indicators suggest the pregnancy may still be progressing or that some tissue remains within the uterus.
Immediate Actions and Follow-Up Care
If an incomplete abortion is suspected, contact a healthcare provider promptly. Prompt communication allows for assessment and guidance on next steps. Healthcare providers schedule a follow-up appointment to confirm the outcome of the medication abortion.
This follow-up may involve an ultrasound to visualize the uterus and determine if all tissue has been expelled. Blood tests, specifically measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels, may also be performed to assess if pregnancy hormones are declining as expected. Not seeking follow-up care can lead to complications such as infection or prolonged bleeding, making professional medical guidance important.
Subsequent Medical Options
When a medication abortion is confirmed incomplete, healthcare providers will discuss subsequent medical options to ensure the pregnancy is fully terminated. The most common intervention is a surgical procedure to complete the abortion. These procedures are safe and effective in removing any remaining tissue.
One such procedure is vacuum aspiration, where gentle suction empties the uterus. Another option is dilation and curettage (D&C), which involves dilating the cervix and using a surgical instrument to remove tissue. While rare, some individuals might consider continuing the pregnancy, though the primary focus for an incomplete medication abortion involves completing the termination to prevent potential health complications.