How To Terminate Unwanted Pegnancy?

Posted on Sat, 21 Jun 2014

Question: I took cytotec three days ago (400 mgs orally twice) for a 7-week abortion. The cytotec was prescribed by my OBGYN who wanted me to do a D&C. I talked to my friend, and they suggested that I should just take the cytotec and avoid the D&C possible. I understand that the D&C comes with higher risks and the doctor will also get $2000 for the procedure. (I live in Singapore, and the private clinics here are highly incentivized to squeeze every XXXXXXX and dime out of the patients.) Anyways, I did bleed and pass on two clots, but I'm not sure if the abortion is complete. It is day 3 and I'm still spotting, but no cramps or pains. I no longer feel bloated but I still feel like vomitting a little. Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for writing to us with your health concern.
For a 7 week pregnancy, medical abortion pills should be the first line.
If that fails, surgical abortion ( D and C ) should be done.
The failure rate of abortion pills is only 4 %, so you should not worr.
I hope a scan was done prior to taking the pills to confirm an intra uterine pregnancy.
Also, a Mifepristone tablet ( single tablet ) is often prescribed prior to 4 tablets of Misoprostol for better results.
Was this done ?
Spotting might continue for a few days.
Since you passed two clots, chances of success are high.
You might still continue to bleed / spot for a few days.
Cramps and pain is common, but not a must.
To confirm that the abortion is complete, there is only one definitive and recommended method.
Please go for a pelvic transvaginal ultrasound scan 15 days after pill intake.
That would confirm that the uterus is now empty and no products of conception remain inside.
All the best
Please feel free to discuss further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Aarti Abraham (9 minutes later)

I did not get a Mifepristone table because the cytotec was prescribed for the D&C. (The D&C was scheduled for XXXXXXX 6th and I was told to take 400mgs cytotec XXXXXXX 5th and 400mgs cytotec XXXXXXX 7th.) Instead, I took 400mgs of the cytotec on May 30th and May 31st so that I can avoid the D&C on XXXXXXX 6th. For a 7-week pregnancy, should I be able to see the sac? When I did the transvaginal ultrasound scan, the doctor said the baby is very small and only 3mm.

Is it also normal to still feel the pregnancy symptoms after taking cytotec? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Aarti Abraham (37 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
AS BELOW

Detailed Answer:
A Mifepristone tablet enhances the chances of success.
FOr a 7 weeks pregnancy, a sac with a heartbeat should be seen.
Sometimes, it is normal to feel nausea after the Cytotec.
As I said, the only real proof is seeing an empty uterus on repeat scanning.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad