Medically Assisted Miscarriage: What You Need to Know

If you’re considering a medically assisted miscarriage, there are a few things you need to know. Here’s what you should keep in mind before making a decision.

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Introduction

If you have had a miscarriage, you may be considering a medically assisted miscarriage. This is a decision that you and your doctor will make together. There are several things you should know about medically assisted miscarriage before you make a decision.

Medically assisted miscarrriage is when a medication is used to end a pregnancy. This type of miscarriage is also called medication abortion or chemical abortion. The most common medication used for this procedure is called mifepristone, also known as RU-486. Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone from working. Progesterone is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. Without it, the lining of the uterus breaks down and the pregnancy cannot continue.

Mifepristone is usually taken as a pill at the doctor’s office. You will then take another medication, called misoprostol, 24-48 hours later. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue.

You will likely experience cramping and bleeding after taking misoprostol. The bleeding can be heavy, like a menstrual period, or lighter, like spotting. The cramping can be mild to severe. You may also experience other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, or fever. These symptoms are normal and should subside within 24 hours.

If you have any heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you should contact your doctor immediately as these could be signs of infection or other complications.

It is important to remember that not all abortions are successful and there is always a chance that the pregnancy will continue despite taking the medication. In this case, you may need to have a surgical abortion (also called dilation and curettage or D&C). You should discuss this possibility with your doctor before taking mifepristone so that you are prepared for all possible outcomes

What is medically assisted miscarriage?

A medical abortion, also known as an induced abortion, is a type of abortion in which medication is used to bring about the termination of a pregnancy.

The most common type of medical abortion uses a combination of mifepristone, also known as RU-486, and misoprostol. Mifepristone works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for maintaining a pregnancy. Misoprostol then causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.

Medical abortions can be performed up to 10 weeks after the last menstrual period, though they are most effective when done within the first seven weeks. Early medical abortions may be less painful and have fewer side effects than those performed later in pregnancy.

Side effects of medical abortions can include cramping, bleeding, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days. In rare cases, more serious complications can occur, such as heavy bleeding or infection.

If you are considering a medical abortion, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that it is the right decision for you and to ensure that you understand all of the risks and side effects involved.

Who can have a medically assisted miscarriage?

Women who are pregnant and up to 10 weeks along can have a medically assisted miscarriage. You may be a candidate for a medically assisted miscarriage if you:

-Have a confirmed pregnancy
-Are up to 10 weeks pregnant
-Have had an ultrasound to confirm how far along you are in your pregnancy
-Are able to have blood taken for lab tests
-Are able to take medicine by mouth

What are the benefits of medically assisted miscarriage?

There are many benefits of medically assisted miscarriage, including the fact that it is a safe and effective way to terminate a pregnancy. It is also less invasive than other methods of abortion, and it does not require surgery. Recovery times are usually shorter with this type of abortion, and there is less risk of complications.

What are the risks of medically assisted miscarriage?

There are a few risks associated with medically assisted miscarriage that you should be aware of. These include:

-Incomplete abortion: This occurs when the medication does not completely expel the pregnancy from the uterus. This may require additional medication or a surgical procedure to complete the abortion.
-Ongoing pregnancy: In rare cases, the medication does not work and the pregnancy continues.
-Excessive bleeding: Medically assisted miscarriage can sometimes cause heavy bleeding.
-Infection: There is a small risk of infection associated with any miscarriage, but this risk is increased with medically assisted miscarriage because of the need for instruments to be inserted into the uterus.
-Emotional side effects: Many women experience strong emotional side effects after a miscarriage, whether it is medically assisted or not. These can include grief, guilt, and depression. It is important to have a support system in place if you are considering medically assisted miscarriage.

How is medically assisted miscarriage performed?

A medically assisted miscarriage is usually performed using a combination of two drugs: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone is taken first, often in pill form. It blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary for pregnancy to continue. A few days later, you will take the misoprostol, also in pill form. This causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy tissue. The whole process usually takes one to two weeks.

You will likely experience cramping and heavy bleeding during this time. The intensity of these symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to manage them. You may be given pain medication to help with the cramping, and you may be advised to rest at home and avoid Physical Activity until the bleeding has stopped.

It is also important to keep an eye out for signs of infection, which can include fever, chills, or an unusually heavy or foul-smelling discharge. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately

What are the side effects of medically assisted miscarriage?

There are a number of potential side effects associated with medically assisted miscarriage, and it is important to be aware of these before making a decision about whether or not to proceed with the procedure. Some of the most common side effects include:

-Cramping and pain: This is typically the most common side effect associated with medically assisted miscarriage, as the uterus is contracting in order to expel the pregnancy tissue. Over-the-counter pain medications can help to alleviate some of this discomfort.

-Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are also common, particularly in the early stages of medically induced miscarriage. It is important to stay hydrated during this time and to avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids.

-Heavy bleeding: Heavy bleeding is to be expected during medically assisted miscarriage, as the body is expel pregnancy tissue. It is important to use sanitary pads rather than tampons during this time, as there is an increased risk of infection when using tampons.

-Spotting and light bleeding: Some women may experience spotting or light bleeding for a few days after their procedure. This is normal and does not require medical attention unless it becomes heavy or continues for more than a week.

-Emotional side effects: Many women also experience emotional side effects after medically induced miscarriage, such as grief, sadness, anxiety, and depression. It is important to seek out support from friends, family, or professionals if you are struggling emotionally.

What is the recovery time for medically assisted miscarriage?

The physical recovery after a miscarriage is different for everyone. For some women, it may take a few days to feel better. For others, it may take up to 2 weeks. Some women have cramping and bleeding for up to 4 weeks. Rarely, some women have heavy bleeding and cramping for 6 weeks or more.

Most women have some vaginal bleeding and cramping for several hours after the misoprostol is taken. The cramps are usually milder than with a miscarriage that happens without medical intervention. The vaginal bleeding is usually like a heavy period. It can last from a few hours to several days. You may also see blood clots in your discharge during this time.

Are there any long-term effects of medically assisted miscarriage?

There is no evidence to suggest that there are any long-term effects of medically assisted miscarriage. The procedure is safe and effective, and there are no known risks associated with it.

Where can I get more information on medically assisted miscarriage?

If you are considering a medically assisted miscarriage, it is important to get as much information as possible. Here are some resources to help you get started:

-The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has a factsheet on medical abortion that can answer some of your questions: https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Medically-Assisted-Miscarriage

-If you want to speak to someone about your experience or get support, the National Network of Abortion Funds can help connect you with resources in your area: https://abortionfunds.org/need-abortion/get-involved/contact-us/

-Exhale is an organization that provides peer support for people who have had abortions. You can reach them by phone at 866-4 EXHALE (866-439-4253) or through their website: https://www.exhaleonline.org/