A Simple Procedure for Termination of Pregnancy in the Late First Trimester with Mifeprostone and Misoprostol

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the efficacy of medical methods for termination of pregnancy at 9 -12 weeks of gestation. Methods: Between December 2008 and December 2010, the 116 consecutive women received 200 mg oral mifepristone and after 24 -36 hours they applied 800 µg vaginal misoprostol to medically terminate pregnancy. If the products of conception did not pass, three further doses of 400 µg misoprostol were given vaginally at three hours intervals to medically terminate pregnancy. Results: Of the 116 patients undergoing the procedure 104 (90%) aborted completely. Half of the patients aborted within 6 hours. After medical termination, five per cent of the women were treated because of infection, and five per cent needed a revisit to hospital because of excessive bleeding. Two women received a blood transfusion. Previous live births or previous inducted abortion is presented in the study results. Conclusions: Medical abortion at 9 -12 weeks' gestation is a safe alternative to surgery.