Here you can find out information about medical abortion. This is for women who are over 10 weeks pregnant, or for women who feel more comfortable undergoing the procedure in hospital. It is not suitable for some women to undergo the procedure at home, so they will be offered medical abortion in hospital.
First visit
During a medical abortion, the medication you will be given is a tablet called Mifepristone. This is the start of your treatment. The medication works by blocking the pregnancy hormone.
You will be asked to remain in hospital for approximately one hour after taking this tablet. This is to make sure you are not sick. If you are sick during this time you will be required to take the medication again.
The effects of Mifepristone
You may have no symptoms or you may have a few period–like cramps. These should be relieved with Paracetamol or other similar pain killers (not Aspirin).
You may also have some light bleeding like a period. If the bleeding is heavy and you are worried contact the ward on the numbers at the bottom of this page.
A second visit into the hospital is scheduled for 48 hours after you have taken the first tablet.
Second visit
On the second visit you will be admitted to the unit. You may bring someone with you who will be able to stay with you. You can expect to be there at least six to eight hours. In some circumstances you may need to stay in over night. This will be discussed with you by the nurse on the unit at time of admission. You must arrange an escort home by car or taxi.
On the unit you will be given some pessaries. These are small tablets that you place high up into the vagina to make the womb contract (a nurse can do this if you are unsure).
If the pregnancy is less than 10 weeks you may be given 2 more tablets to insert into the vagina, or place under your tongue, 3 to 4 hours after the vaginal pessaries. If the pregnancy is over 10 weeks you may need to take more tablets throughout the day, until the pregnancy aborts.
During this time you will have some bleeding, which will become heavy, and period like cramps will develop. These cramps become severe and we have strong painkillers available for you.
You can eat and drink as you wish.
Once you have started to bleed you will need to use bedpans. This is so that the nurse can observe for the pregnancy to be passed.
What to bring with you
It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and may be advisable to bring in a change of clothes for you.
In some cases on overnight bag maybe necessary (the nurse can advise during you first visit).
Risks
- Bleeding requiring blood transfusion – fewer than 1 in 1000 people
- Infection – fewer than 1 in 100 people
- Retained pregnancy tissue requiring further treatment – before 14 weeks of pregnancy: 70 in 1000 people; from 14 weeks of pregnancy: 13 in 100 people
- Continued pregnancy: 1-2 in 100 people.
More information
Please remember, we are here to help you. If you have any questions, doubts or worries please feel free to ask
Contact us and not your GP, who may be unaware of the treatment you are receiving.
Ward 40 0191 282 5618 (Monday to Friday 9.00am-5.00pm)
Ward 40 day unit 0191 2825640 (24 hours)
