Mifepristone
- Medical Termination of Pregnancy
Medical termination
is the recommended procedure for patients with a gestation less
than 9 weeks or over 16 weeks. It is a non-surgical procedure
ideal for patients wishing to terminate an early pregnancy without
having a surgical operation or anaesthetic or in later pregnancies
without experiencing the small risks associated with a surgical
termination.
How
Does it Work?
The
Mifepristone tablet works by blocking the action of progesterone,
a hormone needed to maintain the pregnancy. Mifepristone is taken
orally and acting together with Misoprostol tablets (administered
later vaginally), they will induce an abortion.
Is
it Safe?
Many women, world-wide,
have used this treatment and it has been proven to have a very
good safety record. However, every form of medical treatment has
some potential risks or side effects. With this treatment the
main risks, though very small, are excessive vaginal bleeding,
incomplete abortion and infection. These are usually treated very
easily. The nurse caring for you will be happy to explain these
in more detail.
You may bring one adult
supporter with you if you wish to do so. For late medical terminations
your supporter will be asked to wait in the waiting areas. If
you have children, please make arrangements for them to be cared
for at home when you visit the clinic.
This treatment may
not be suitable for you if any of the following apply :
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Asthmatics on long
term corticosteroid treatment
- Taking any anticoagulant
treatment
- Aged over 35 years
of age and smoke more than 10 cigarettes per day, or under 35
years and smoke more than 20 cigarettes a day
The above points will
be discussed with you by the doctor. If any of these conditions
apply please inform the doctor or nurse.
In order to have
a medical termination patients must be able to fulfil the criteria
set out in the Abortion Act:
First
- Your initial consultation
In order to comply
with the Abortion Act you must Initially attend for consultation
at either a Pregnancy Advisory Service, your own GP or a Family
Planning Service.
Next
- You must be able to attend for 2 or possibly 3 separate visits
as advised:
- 1st visit
- gestation will be assessed by a vaginal examination or scan
+ Mifepristone prescribed and given
- 2nd visit
-tablets, inducing miscarriage
- 3rd visit
- check visit (sometimes we arrange for you to have a scan)
to ensure abortion is complete, (necessary
only if advised to attend by medical staff).
