Early medical abortion

Early medical abortion is an option available up to 9 weeks into a pregnancy. It is safe, effective and legal.

What is early medical abortion?

In an early medical abortion, two separate drugs are taken to stop a pregnancy. This can be done at home and at a time that suits you, but it must be started at or before 9 weeks of pregnancy. Early medical abortion provides you with some privacy and control.

Before deciding on an early medical abortion, it's important to understand what to expect, how to prepare and any side effects or complications that may occur.

What to expect

Early medical abortion occurs over two steps. Two different medicines are taken 24-36 hours apart.

Step 1 uses a medicine called Mifepristone. Most people will not notice any effect after taking this medicine.

Step 2 uses a medicine called Misoprostol. This is when the abortion occurs. It is important to be in a safe, quiet place and rest as much as you can. Cramps and bleeding are expected and will be less once the pregnancy has passed. Regular pain relief and anti-nausea tablets are essential, especially in the first 24 hours.

After the procedure

Bleeding will be less and less each day. It may last for 10-16 days and may continue for up to 30 days.

For 14 days after the abortion do not place anything into your vagina. This is to reduce the chance of infection. It includes no:

• vaginal sex
• tampons or menstrual cups. Use pads instead
• swimming
• baths; however, showering is safe.

Follow up 

It's important to go to your follow up appointment. This is to make sure the abortion is complete and that you are feeling well. 

Usually a follow up blood test is taken to test for pregnancy hormones. Some clinics use a special urine pregnancy test. A standard pregnancy test from the chemist is not used for follow up.

What are the risks and complications?

Most people who have an early medical abortion have no problems, but it is important to understand there are some risks involved. These can include:

• ongoing bleeding
• pain because of an infection
• pregnancy tissue remaining in the uterus.

If any of these happen, it is important to get treatment early to stop a serious illness developing.

Severe complications are rare. Very heavy bleeding requiring treatment is uncommon.

Once the medicine is started, it is important to complete the abortion. In rare cases, the medicine may not work and the pregnancy may continue. If this happens, more medicine or a surgical abortion is needed.

Contraception after an abortion

An abortion is a good time to discuss ongoing contraception, so you can plan for any future pregnancy. Long-acting reversible contraception such as a contraceptive implant or Intra Uterine Device (IUD) is reliable and cost-effective. These can be fitted after an early medical abortion. Other hormonal methods, such as “the pill” can be started the day after a medical abortion.

Feelings after an abortion

It is normal to have many different feelings after an abortion. These often depend on why you had the abortion, how you feel about it, and if you have people around you who support your decision. Often, people feel relieved that they have made the decision that was best for them at the time. There are supports available to talk through your feelings. Contact 1800 My Options for more information about the supports available.

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