INDUCED MEDICAL TERMINATION OF PREGNANCY BEFORE THE 9th GESTATIONAL WEEK
Who can get an abortion?
If you reside in Denmark you have the right to termination of pregnancy before the end of the 18th gestational week, counted from the first day of the last menstruation.
A medical abortion can be performed if you are 8 weeks + 6 days gestational age or less.
What is a medical abortion?
The induced medical abortion has to take place before the end of the 9th gestational week. The pregnancy will be terminated by using two kinds of medicine. By the first attendance you take a pill which inhibits a hormone called progesterone. This hormone is required for the pregnancy to proceed.
The next day you place three pills in the vagina. These pills contain a hormone, which makes the uterus contract and empty.
Usually, it is not necessary to call in sick at work or be absent from work.
Day 1: The first consultation
At first you will have an ultrasound scan. This determines the gestational age. Then you get a pill and after taking it, the abortion is in progress. From this point it is important to complete the treatment – otherwise the pregnancy can continue and the pill can cause fetal defects.
Discomfort:
You will probably not experience discomfort after taking the pill, but some may feel nauseous.
Bleeding:
Some women start to bleed before the treatment continues. The bleeding is like menstruation, and you may experience pain that resembles menstrual pain. If the pain is severe, we recommend taking 2 tablets of Ipren 400 mg (2 × 200 mg) as needed at 6-hour intervals. Ipren 200 mg can be purchased at the pharmacy without a prescription.
Day 1:
No earlier than 24 hours, but within 48 hours, place 4 pills into your vagina and take two pain relief tablets of Ipren 400 mg. Later during the day and evening, you can take two additional tablets of Ipren 400 mg.
Ninety percent of all women begin bleeding the day after the vaginal pills.
Discomfort:
After the pills have been inserted, you may experience headache, menstrual pain, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Bleeding:
The bleeding can be heavier than a regular menstruation, and there may be clots in the blood. You may also have menstruation-like pain when the uterus begins contracting. If you plan to use birth control pills after the abortion, start the first pill on the same day you insert the vaginal pills.
Day 3:
If you have any questions, or if unexpected problems occur, you can call the clinic at the emergency number 50838030 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (not Friday).
Most women start bleeding within the first day; others after 2–3 days. If the bleeding does not start within the first few days after the pills have been inserted, please contact the clinic, and you will be informed about the further plan. If the bleeding persists, you must contact the clinic as well.
If complications occur (severe bleeding, general malaise, strong pain or fever) when the clinic is closed:
* Call 1813 and ask for acute gynecological counseling.
Bleeding:
It is normal to bleed for up to three weeks. At first the bleeding may be heavy, but later it should be lighter. Some may bleed for up to four weeks in total. As you bleed, we recommend using sanitary towels and not tampons. You can take a shower, but avoid baths and swimming. We recommend avoiding intercourse until the bleeding has stopped.
There is a risk of pelvic inflammatory disease (3%), as well as a small risk of surgical emptying of the uterus if tissue remains.
Control:
After 8-14 days you will get an ultrasound scan again. This will ensure that the pregnancy is completely terminated.
Greetings
Medical Specialist in Gynecology Helle Kirkeby
