WHAT IS AN ABORTION?

Abortion is when a pregnancy is ended through medicines or surgery so that it doesn’t result in the birth of a child. This is also called ‘termination of pregnancy’. It also takes place naturally in 25% of all pregnancies.

WHAT ARE THE DRUGS USED IN MEDICAL ABORTION?

The drugs that can be given to terminate an unwanted pregnancy are Mifepristone, Misoprostol and Methotrexate.

HOW DOES MIFEPRISTONE WORK?

Mifepristone works against progesterone which is the hormone that helps the pregnancy to grow. When a woman takes this drug, it stops the action of progesterone and also results in the products of conception separating out from the walls of the uterus. Mifepristone also softens and dilates the cervix and makes the uterus more sensitive to Misoprostol.

HOW DOES MISOPROSTOL WORK?

Misoprostol is a kind of prostaglandin and it causes the uterus to contract while the cervix opens up and this pushes out the products of conception. Bleeding and cramps are part of the process of the abortion and most women will bleed like a heavy period and can use the same kind of pain relief medication.

HOW DOES METHOTREXATE WORK?

Methotrexate is a drug that stops cells from growing and thus prevents the pregnancy from growing. It is not recommended if Mifepristone is available and it should also be used in combination with Misoprostol, to increase uterine contractions and cause expulsion of the products of conception.

WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IF THERE IS UNDESIRED PREGNANCY:

Pv-vaginal, sl- under the tongue, po-oral, PPH- post partum haemorrhage, µg- microgram

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