Within 4 to 7 weeks after LMP This chemical abortion is used for women who are within 30 to 49  and up to 63 days after their last menstrual period. This procedure usually requires three office visits. The RU 486 or Mifepristone pills are given to the woman who returns two days later for a second medication called Misoprostol. The combination of these medications causes the uterus to expel the fetus.

Mifepristone — blocks the hormone progesterone. Without progesterone, the blood supply and oxygen to the developing embryo shuts off, the lining of the uterus breaks down, ending the pregnancy.

Misoprostol a second medication softens the cervix and causes the uterus to contract and empty. Misoprostol is taken up to three days after taking Mifepristone.

After you take the Misoprostol you will most likely start to bleed heavily within hours or days. This is the abortion. This abortion process is similar to a miscarriage, You may see large blood clots or tissue at the time of the abortion as well as experience cramping.

• Follow-up visit are necessary to make sure the abortion is complete and that there is no infection, a wellness check.  You will need an ultrasound or blood test.

• Feel dizzy
• Feel strong cramps
• Feel nauseous or vomit
• Feel temporary abdominal pain
• Have diarrhea
• Have temporary mild fever or pains

A woman must be prepared to undergo a surgical abortion if the medical abortion is not complete. 

It is important for you to be informed about the risks associated with having an abortion BEFORE you decide. Current data suggest that a medical abortion may carry a higher risk of death than early vacuum aspiration abortion

It occurs naturally in 15–40 percent of all established pregnancies — when an embryo or fetus stops developing and the body expels it. This is called spontaneous abortion, miscarriage, or early pregnancy loss.  Surgical and medical abortions are performed 1.29 million times year in the United States.  This is called induced abortion. In the state of California, one pregnancy out of 3 ends in abortion.  

There are a number of medical reasons why a woman might not be able to take the medical abortion drugs. The contraindications to these drugs should be discussed one-on-one between a woman and her own doctor.

To learn more about RU-486 visit; www.RU486facts.org  or call 916-880-4040 to speak with a client advocate at Alternatives.