Breakdown of antibiotics, painkillers, and bleeding during an early abortion (typically within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy), especially in the context of medical abortion using pills like mifepristone and misoprostol

Breakdown of antibiotics, painkillers, and bleeding during an early abortion (typically within the first 10 weeks of pregnancy), especially in the context of medical abortion using pills like mifepristone and misoprostol.

🔹 1. Bleeding During Early Abortion

What to Expect:

  • Bleeding typically begins within 1 to 6 hours after taking misoprostol.
  • It is usually heavier than a normal period, with clots and tissue.
  • Heavy bleeding may last a few hours, followed by lighter bleeding for up to 2 weeks.

When to Seek Help:

  • Soaking more than 2 maxi pads per hour for 2+ hours.
  • Feeling dizzy, weak, or faint.
  • Bleeding heavily for more than 2 weeks.
  • Note: Bleeding is a normal and expected sign that the abortion is progressing.

🔹 2. Painkillers (Analgesics)

Commonly Recommended:

  • Ibuprofen (e.g., Brufen 400mg) – Most effective for cramping.
    Dose: 400–800 mg every 6–8 hours as needed.
  • Paracetamol (Panadol) – Can help with general discomfort, though less effective than ibuprofen for cramps.
    Dose: 500–1000 mg every 6 hours (not exceeding 4g/day).

Avoid:

  • Aspirin – It can increase bleeding because it thins the blood.

When to Take Painkillers:

  • Take 30–60 minutes before taking misoprostol to reduce cramping discomfort.

Continue as needed, usually for the first 1–3 days after the abortion process begins.

🔹 3. Antibiotics

Why They’re Used:

  • To prevent infection, especially if abortion is done in less sterile environments or there’s prolonged bleeding.

Common Choices (always under medical supervision):

  • Doxycycline 100 mg twice daily for 7 days.
  • Metronidazole (Flagyl) 400 mg thrice daily for 5–7 days.
  • Azithromycin 500 mg once daily for 3 days.

Note: Routine antibiotic use isn’t always required in clean and safe abortions, but it’s often recommended in Kenya due to inconsistent access to sterile facilities.

đź©ş When to See a Doctor Immediately

  • No bleeding within 24 hours of taking misoprostol.
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
  • High fever (above 38°C) or chills.

Severe abdominal pain that doesn’t go away with painkillers.

Disclaimer: These are as per basic clinical guidelines. Before doing anything, reach out to your doctor for guidance. Different cases require different ways of handling them. Pregnancy gestations are different, there might be other underlying issues.

We repeat, seek guidance before self-medicating. There are even cases where abortion pills fail from using painkillers.

Tags: , , ,