Induction Abortion

What To Expect

As your body returns to its nonpregnant condition, there are some things you can expect during the days and weeks after the procedure.

• You may have irregular bleeding or spotting for the first 2 weeks. Use sanitary pads until you stop bleeding. Using pads makes it easier to monitor your bleeding.
• You may have cramps similar to menstrual cramps. They may last for several hours and maybe for a few days as the uterus shrinks back to its nonpregnant size.

Here are some things to do as you recover:

• Rest quietly for the next several days. You can return to your normal activities based on how you feel.
• Ask your doctor if you can take acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil). They may help relieve cramping pain. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Ask your doctor when it is okay for you to have sex.
• If you don't want to get pregnant, use birth control when you start having sex again.

Why It Is Done

Induction is one option for abortion in the second or third trimester.

• Induction abortion is sometimes offered to women diagnosed in the second or third trimester with a fetus that has severe medical problems or abnormalities.
• A woman may not realize that she is pregnant until later in the pregnancy. When this happens, induction may be necessary for abortion.
• A woman who doesn't have access to an abortion earlier in the pregnancy may need an induction abortion.

How Well It Works

Induction abortion is effective in the second and third trimesters.

Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is more commonly used in second-trimester abortions. It is safer, quicker, and more effective than induction abortion.

Risks

The risk of problems from induction abortion is rare. But some problems may include:

• Failure to end the pregnancy.
• Tissue remaining in the uterus.
• Injury to the cervix.
• Uterine rupture if a uterine scar is present from a previous surgery.
• Heavy vaginal bleeding.
• Infection.