Abortion With Pills (Less Than 7 Weeks)

In present times, with easy access to information and home pregnancy test kits, women are able to confirm that they are pregnant or not, quite early, almost within a few days of missing the period. If the pregnancy is in initial stages, an abortion with pills (Less Than 7 Weeks Pregnant) is possible.

Some may need to have an abortion for various reasons, commonest being that they are not yet prepared to have a baby or, failure of contraception.

Abortion with pills/tablets is popular as it provides the woman with privacy and does not need any admission, hospitalization, and anesthesia.

Take an appointment with Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal for details about abortion with pills.

How do tablets work to terminate a pregnancy before 7 weeks?

For abortion with pills, there are two sets of tablets to be taken. The first pill is mifepristone. It blocks the action of certain hormones that are important for the pregnancy.

After 48 hours the second set of tablets i.e. misoprostol is given. These start of uterine cramping and bleeding. One may also have nausea, vomiting and a few loose motions. The products of conception pass out in the bleeding over the next few days. This bleeding can be heavy with clots. One could have bleeding for about 7 to 10 days.

Few things you would like to know about abortion with pills (less than 7 weeks)

Abortion pills are quite safe and effective.
A check-up can be done in about 10 days to ensure that all has gone well.
In 2 weeks’ time, it is advisable to do a sonography to confirm that there are no retained products.
In about 3 weeks one can do a home or blood pregnancy test to confirm that the procedure is complete.
One would have the next normal period in about 4-5 weeks.
It is important to confirm that the process is complete as it is not advisable to continue the pregnancy in case the tablets do not work.
The tablets have the potential to cause serious birth defects in case the pregnancy continues.
If there are significant retained products then one would need to do a surgical procedure to remove them.
It is important to avoid sex in the first week after abortion as one can get pregnant again.
Further, one must address the issue of contraception and accept a method that is acceptable to both partners.

Abortion tablets/pills cannot be given to women if they:

Are more than 7 weeks pregnant?
Are suspected to have a molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy.
Have adrenal gland, heart, kidney, liver problems or have a blood-clotting disorder.
Have an IUD. It needs to be removed before having the tablets.

After the abortion one could have various emotional feelings such as guilt, regret, and sadness. We try to give you non-judgmental emotional support in a confidential environment.

We also emphasize the need to use contraceptives so that whenever you are pregnant it is a wanted pregnancy.

Please note we do not do sex determination and female foeticide. We follow the PCPNDT act strictly.

If you are pregnant and you do not wish to continue the pregnancy and if you are less than 7 weeks then make an appointment with Dr. Sangeeta Agrawal, Obstetrician-Gynecologist in Mumbai, India.

What to expect in the clinic?

In the clinic, we will take a detailed history, advise you some basic blood tests {CBC, BLOOD GROUP, URINE ROUTINE} and will do a sonography to confirm the size of the pregnancy. Then once you agree we need a formal written consent and then we can give you the tablets with written instructions.

Abortion Frequently Asked Questions

How can I use sugar to terminate a pregnancy?

Sugar cannot terminate a pregnancy. It is not wise to try such methods. Mifepristone and Misoprostol are available to terminate a pregnancy and they are effective and safe. By trying to abort with sugar one will waste precious time and delay taking tablets and thereby compromise on the success of the tablets.

Can abortion fail?

Yes, there is a small chance of the abortion tablets not working and the pregnancy may continue. This is more likely to happen at 4 weeks plus. In India, abortion tablets can be taken only up to 7 weeks, though in some countries they are provided till 9 weeks. Failure is also likely closer to 7 weeks.

Can abortion make you infertile?

Abortion with tablets does not influence fertility. Abortion tablets do not affect the ovaries and hormones. Multiple surgical terminations can affect fertility. Pregnancies that are more than 7 weeks need dilatation and suction evacuation. During this procedure, the endometrial lining is denuded. If Dilatation and curettage are done multiple times, then the lining may get damaged and can affect future fertility.

Can abortion cause PCOS?

No, not at all. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a metabolic syndrome and is affected by weight and lifestyle. Patients with PCOS have difficulty in getting pregnant and usually seek help to conceive.

Can abortion cause PTSD (Post Treatment Stress Disorder)?

Abortions can be very traumatic emotionally to the woman/couple undergoing it. It depends on the reason for which abortion is done. E.g financial constraints, social reasons, abnormal fetus, etc.

In these cases, the pregnancy may be very much wanted but circumstances have led to an abortion. The woman may then have depression and other psychological symptoms.

Can abortion cause ectopic pregnancy?

Surgical abortions, especially in unsterile conditions, can lead to infections. Infections can damage the tubes and therefore increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. Abortions with tablets are not likely to influence the risk of ectopic pregnancy.

Can abortion cause PID (Pelvic Inflammatory Disease)?

Surgical abortions when done in unhygienic and unsterile conditions can cause infections and these can eventually lead to pelvic inflammatory disease. Women who have pre-existing vaginal infections have a risk of infections spreading to the pelvis after a surgical termination.

Can abortion cause hormonal imbalance?

Abortions do not influence the functioning of the HPO axis and the ovaries. Therefore are not likely to cause hormonal imbalance.

Can abortion pill cause infertility?

Abortion tablets do not affect fertility. The first tablet only stops the pregnancy from growing and the second one only starts a period. They do not have a long term effect on the body.

Can abortion cause Adenomyosis?

Adenomyosis is a pathology in the wall of the uterus. Abortions cannot cause Adenomyosis.

Can abortion cause thrush?

Abortions will not cause thrush but if it is pre-existing then the process of abortion may trigger an attack or make the symptoms worse.

Can abortion cause menopause?

Menopause is the complete cessation of the periods due to the complete depletion of the eggs (follicles) in the ovary.

Can abortion lead to depression?

Yes, sometimes the process of abortion can lead to depression especially when the patient may have wanted the pregnancy but is not able to continue due to personal social financial or health reasons.

Can abortion cause Endometriosis?

The process of abortion in a rare circumstance can lead to endometriosis as there can be iatrogenic implantation of the endometrium in the vagina and other ectopic sites.

Can abortion cause HPV?

Abortions will not cause HPV infections. HPV is sexually transmitted.

Can abortion cause ovarian cyst?

The process of abortion per se will not cause ovarian cyst. During pregnancy, there is a corpus luteum cyst in one of the ovaries from where the follicle came.

Can abortion cause Fibroids?

Fibroids are benign tumors and are not induced by abortions. In pregnancy, they actually may become bigger due to the increase in the blood supply to the pelvic organs.

Can abortion cause constipation?

Abortion tablets may cause a few loose motions. Pregnancy per se can cause constipation but not likely to cause diarrhea.

Can abortion cause prolapse?

Prolapse usually occurs after menopause. It is the descent of the uterus and the cervix into the vagina.
Abortions will have no influence on the prolapse.

Can abortion be detected by ultrasound?

Abortion cannot be detected on the ultrasound. In case the process has failed, then on sonography one can see retained products in the cavity, but that does not imply a patient has done abortion. It could also be interpreted as miscarriage.

Will abortion be painful?

Abortions with tablets are like a painful period but mild analgesics can be very safe and effective in alleviating the pain. The surgical abortion is under anesthesia and therefore there is no pain. In the immediate post-procedure period mild analgesics can be given to manage the cramps if any.

Will abortion affect health?

Abortions can affect mental and physical wellbeing. It can be emotionally traumatic for the woman to undergo an abortion. The tablets for abortions have mild side effects that last only for a few hours e.g. nausea, vomiting, and cramps. The surgical procedure is safe but accidents such as profuse bleeding and perforation can happen and thus affect the health of the patient.

Will abortion be covered by insurance?

Usually, Abortions will not be covered by insurance companies. Nevertheless, it is advisable to check in your policy and with your agent.

Which abortion pills are safe?

Abortion pills are safe. They must be used only for the purpose they are intended for at the correct gestation and in correct doses. They have to be used with caution in people with any liver or kidney disorders.

They should not be used in the case of ectopic pregnancy and molar pregnancy.

Which abortion method is safer?

All methods of abortion are safe. The process depends on the size of the pregnancy. Irrespective of the procedure is done keeping all the pre-requisites in mind and by a trained qualified doctor, in a government-approved center which has all the facilities to not only do the abortion but also deal with the complications if any, then the procedure is safe.

Which abortion hurts less?

Surgical abortions are painless as they are done under anesthesia.

Which abortion method is cheaper?

The cost of an abortion varies from place to place. Tablets will be cheaper.

How abortion is done at 6 weeks?

Abortion at 6 weeks can be done with tablets. Know more about the procedure of Abortion below 7 weeks.

How abortion is done at 9 weeks?

It is done by dilatation and curettage. Know more about abortion between 7 to 12 weeks.

When abortion can be done in India?

In India, abortions can be done up to 20 weeks. Know more about abortion procedure in India.

Why abortion before 12 weeks?

Abortion ideally should be done as soon as it has been decided to terminate. The procedure before 12 weeks is a simple dilatation and curettage under anesthesia. After 12 weeks the procedure is different and requires a longer hospital stay.

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