Do I need an ultrasound after an abortion with pills?

In most cases no, unless you have a complication or you suspect the abortion has been unsuccessful.

 

Most (over 95%) of women who use abortion pills in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy will not need any medical assistance and the abortion happens without complications. Bleeding and cramps usually start to get better from around 5 hours after Misoprostol, and bleeding usually stops completely after a few weeks.

 

A successful abortion can be confirmed by a negative pregnancy test three weeks after Misoprostol. An earlier pregnancy test may produce a false positive result because it takes up to three weeks for pregnancy hormones to leave the body after an abortion. An ultrasound can confirm a successful abortion earlier than a pregnancy test, and can help put your mind at ease. You should wait around 7 days after using Misoprostol before having an ultrasound to give the uterus time to clear itself.

 

If you suspect a complication, for example you have soaked through more than two maxi pads per hour for 2 hours or more, or you have severe pain that does not respond to painkillers, or you develop a fever or smelly vaginal discharge, you should seek medical assistance. An ultrasound will help to detect any remaining pieces of pregnancy in your uterus that would need to be removed surgically. If you are very unwell after an abortion you should go to hospital straight away. If you have minor symptoms after an abortion, you can book an ultrasound in a private gynaecology clinic.

 

If you want to have an ultrasound but do not want to see your usual gynaecologist, and you would like us to recommend a gynaecologist for you, please contact FPAS and our volunteers will assist you.