In a pregnancy termination through medicines, usually Mifepristone is taken first. After 24 to 48 hours of it, Misoprostol pills are administered buccally, sublingually, or vaginally. The uterus empties and the pills help expel the pregnancy tissues, thanks to uterine contractions aided by the prostaglandins. Heavy vaginal bleeding removes the products of conception. The use of both pills hits a success rate of 95-98% for a pregnancy in its initial 10 to 12 weeks.
However, hormonal fluctuations during a medical abortion may lead to temporary side effects. The consequences usually occur after using Misoprostol medicine. Thus, it is important to maintain safety and follow certain precautions to prevent infection, hemorrhage, and other complications. Tracking the Misoprostol symptoms is advisable so that you can tackle them on time.
Here is a guide about safety protocols to follow during the abortion pill process.
Understanding Post-Misoprostol Effects
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin medicine. It helps cause uterine contractions in one to four hours after taking the pills. You will need at least 4 x 200mcg pills either vaginally on inserting them in the vaginal tract. Or, you can administer them orally – either buccally (pills in cheek pouches) or sublingually (pills under the tongue).
- The medication may result in abdominal cramps and pain, staying intense in the first few hours. It may also cause other consequences such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, mild fever for a few hours.
- The heavy vaginal bleeding can stay on till all the pregnancy exists. Then the flow becomes lighter and continues for a few weeks. Misoprostol also dilates and softens the cervix to pass the pregnancy.
- Safety starts with changing large pads regularly before they spill. It is normal to soak 2 pads per hour initially, which then reduces as the bleeding goes down. Keep sufficient stock of pads to monitor the bleeding. Avoid tampons and menstrual cups.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. You can also depend on electrolyte beverages. Remember, dehydration can aggravate the side effects, especially cramps.
- For abdominal pain and cramps, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication. Do not use aspirin as it may lead to increased bleeding.
Monitoring for Warning Signs
Being careful and observant during a pregnancy termination using MTP Kit medicines (Mifepristone and Misoprostol) can prevent complications. It can help detect issues early so that you can take corrective steps immediately. It is possible for risks to happen but happens so rarely, as none of the procedures are 100% foolproof.
- Check Vitals: Always keep a check on vitals. One of the signs of infection is high fever 100.4°F (38°C) staying for more than 24 hours. Others are worsening pain, foul-smelling discharge, and extreme weakness or dizziness.
- Notice the Bleeding: Soaking over two maxi pads every hour for more than 2 hours or even after a day, passing large clots that are the size of a lemon with signs of losing consciousness – calls for immediate medical attention. These can indicate excessive bleeding. Always have 24/7 access to emergency care centers.
- Pregnancy Location: In case of shoulder pain at the time of medical abortion, it can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy. If there is no bleeding for 24 hours even after taking Misoprostol, it may suggest the pregnancy is extrauterine, or beyond 12 weeks, or the pills are not working.
Hygiene and Infection Prevention
Here is why maintaining hygiene is important after Misoprostol in a medical abortion:
- Poor hygiene can give rise to infection. Use large pads for the bleeding. Do not use anything insertable such as menstrual cups or tampons.
- This means, it is not safe to have vaginal intercourse till the bleeding lasts, as it can result in infections.
- The cervix remains slightly open initially right after the abortion. It can pass pathogens inside more easily if precautions are not taken.
- So, wash hands regularly whenever you wash yourself and avoid douching. Do not use harsh chemicals or scented soaps, or anything that would cause irritation in the vaginal area.
- Avoid swimming and hot tubs until the bleeding stops – may take one to four weeks.
- Always use clean bedding and clothing, especially the undergarments.
- You can consider probiotics and supplements as suggested by the doctor for gut recovery.
Pain and Symptom Management Steps
Below-mentioned are certain tips to manage pain and other Misoprostol consequences:
- Abdominal cramps may range from moderate to severe depending on how far you are into the pregnancy. You can take Ibuprofen to manage the pain. Or, in some cases, doctors may recommend low-dose narcotics or tramadol if nothing else suits
- Antiemetics like Ondansetron can reduce risk of nausea and vomiting. You can also depend on heat therapy using heating pads or hot water bottles. Wear loose clothing for comfort.
- Ease diarrhea and nausea further with hydrating drinks and electrolyte beverages. Avoid venturing outdoors or doing anything stressful physically and mentally.
- Practice deep breathing for relaxation. Avoid large meals and spicy food. Eat lightly after Misoprostol to reduce reflux.
Follow-Up After Misoprostol
It is mandatory to get a follow-up check after 7 to 14 days of completing the course of Misoprostol pills:
- If you are Rh-negative, then the doctor may suggest RhoGAM injection to prevent antibodies. The ultrasound scan checks for pregnancy. It can detect if the uterus is empty or still has any pregnancy content.
- Many may think of getting a hCG blood test for pregnancy status understanding. However, this test immediately after ending a pregnancy will not give accurate outcomes. This is because the pregnancy hormone, hCG levels take time to decline in the system.
- You can consider a virtual assistance or consultation after abortion until you can physically visit for a follow-up. The latter helps detect an incomplete abortion, and need for surgical intervention.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some FAQs about Misoprostol safety protocols for a medical abortion:
1. How long does bleeding last after Misoprostol?
Heavy bleeding vaginally can go on for four to 24 hours or more, depending on pregnancy weeks. Thereafter when the uterus empties, spotting or moderate bleeding can last for one to four weeks. Check the blood flow by using sanitary pads. Look for any warning signs of excessive bleeding – soaking over 2 pads every hour for 2 hours consecutively.
2. When can I have vaginal intercourse after the abortion pill?
Wait for the bleeding to go away after the abortion before resuming sexual intercourse. This step is to prevent STI and infections. Use condoms and other birth control measures during intimacy to restrict an unplanned pregnancy.
3. What fever signals danger post-Misoprostol?
If fever lasts for more than 24 hours and it is more than 100.4°F (38°C), then seek medical attention. A high fever lasting for more than a day with chills can indicate an infection.
4. Can I exercise after Misoprostol protocols?
Workout after Misoprostol should be avoided for at least a week. Physical strain can lead to increased bleeding. After the follow-up confirmation and recovery, you can go ahead with exercising if consented to by a doctor.
5. How do I know the MTP Kit abortion pill worked?
An ultrasound scan of the whole abdomen after two weeks of the abortion can detect pregnancy’s presence in the uterus. If the womb is empty, it means the abortion with MTP Kit and Misoprostol was a success.