What Should You Expect During A Medical Abortion?

If a pregnancy comes along at the right time, it can be a wonderful thing. However, there are circumstances when being pregnant is not the best life decision or could pose a risk to the mother's health. If it is determined early enough, a medical abortion is considered a safe way to terminate the pregnancy. Unlike surgical abortions, medical abortions only involve taking medications and do not involve a specific procedure or anesthesia. Many women are unfamiliar with medical abortion and what it involves, so you are not alone if you are in the same situation. Here's what you should expect during a medical abortion. 

Your doctor will go over things with you to ensure you're a good candidate. 

Before a medical abortion can be performed, your doctor will want to know several things about your medical history, the types of birth control you have used, and why you have decided to have an abortion. While it can seem daunting to go through this whole assessment process, it is important so the doctor knows you can medically handle the medical abortion and you are emotionally sure of the process and the outcome. 

You may be given an ultrasound to determine how far along you are first.

You may have an idea of how far along you are according to your last period, but before the medical abortion can be performed, the doctor has to be sure the pregnancy is only at a certain state. If the embryo is too large because you are too far along, a medical abortion will not work, and instead, a surgical abortion may be recommended. The ultrasound given may be a basic ultrasound on your abdominal area, but some doctors prefer doing an intrauterine ultrasound to get more precise measurements. 

You will be given medication in the office to begin the abortion. 

Once the full assessment is complete and the doctor is sure a medical abortion is a safe option for you, the medicine to begin the abortion will be given to you. The medication is designed to thin the walls of the uterus so the embryo can no longer stay attached. There are several different types of medicine that can be used for the procedure. Some will involve medications given only in the office and others can involve taking medication in the office and then once you get home. Either way, you will likely be required to revisit the doctor for a follow-up to ensure the procedure was successful at eliminating the pregnancy.