A medical termination of pregnancy is induced by medicine rather than surgery. Medical termination of pregnancy is available to women who are less than 63 days pregnant (9 weeks). For pregnancy terminations beyond 9 weeks, please call our Mississauga office at 905-629-4516, and request an appointment for a surgical termination of pregnancy.
Two appointments are required for medical termination of pregnancy:
- Your first appointment includes a consultation and review of your medical history, physical examination, and an ultrasound and blood test. You will also start the medical treatment during your first appointment by taking a mifepristone tablet.
- Your second appointment (follow-up) is very important, as it allows the doctor to confirm that the termination of pregnancy is complete.
Two medicines, known together as Mifegymiso , are used for a medical termination of pregnancy.
- Step 1. First, a mifepristone tablet is taken. You will take 1 tablet at the first clinic visit after your consultation and review of your medical history, physical examination, and ultrasound.
- Step 2. You will take the next 4 small tablets together between 24 to 48 hours later. Four misoprostol tablets are taken at the same time. It is up to you when to take the tablets within this 24 hour time period.
The first medication is an anti-hormone and acts by blocking the effects of progesterone, a hormone that is needed for pregnancy to continue.
The second medication is a prostaglandin and causes contractions of the uterus and relaxation of the cervix, which helps push out the contents of the uterus.
Both medications work together to end a pregnancy.
A follow-up appointment should be done two to three weeks after taking the first medication to ensure that the termination of pregnancy is complete, and to exclude possible complications. If the termination is not complete, the doctor will discuss your treatment options, which may include surgery. We monitor your lab results and will contact you if there are any issues.