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What to Expect Having a Medical Abortion

Welcome to Aunty Jane, where your care and comfort are our priority. If you're considering or preparing for a medical abortion, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process with compassion, professionalism, and unwavering support.

Medication

A medical abortion uses medication used to terminate pregnancy under 9 weeks gestation. Step 1 (Mifepristone) works by blocking the hormone progesterone, which is essential for maintaining a pregnancy. By doing so, mifepristone disrupts communication between your body and the pregnancy, preparing the body to terminate the pregnancy. Step 2 (Misoprostol) is taken 24-48hrs after taking Step 1. Step 2 causes uterine contractions and cervical dilation, which help the body expel the pregnancy and pregnancy tissue through uterine bleeding.

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You will also be prescribed other medication to make the process as comfortable as possible.

You will be prescribed:

  • Abortion Medication

  • Over the counter and prescription pain relief 

  • Prescription anti nausea medication

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Bleeding

Vaginal bleeding is a wanted and necessary part of having a medical abortion. Some women experience light bleeding after taking Step 1 (Mifepristone) but most people experience moderate to heavy bleeding in the 24hrs following Step 2 (Misoprostol).

 

What to Expect:

  • Bleeding heavier than your normal 1st day period in the 24hrs following Step 2 (Misoprostol).

  • Small to medium size clots.

  • Moderate to heavy bleeding for 3-7 days after taking Step 2 (Misoprostol).

  • Inconsistent light to moderate bleeding for up to 4 weeks.

  • Return of your menstrual period 4-6 week after your abortion.

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Discomfort

There is an expected level of associated discomfort when doing a medical termination as the medication causes uterine contraction.

 

Most women experience moderate discomfort in the first 6 hours of taking Step 2 (Misoprostol). This is why Aunty Jane provide you with pain relief medication.

 

There are also many things you can do to help reduce discomfort:

  • Uterine massage

  • Hot water bottle/ wheat pack

  • Hot water therapy (Shower not bath)

  • Tens Machines 

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Recovery

Physical :

To help aid physical and emotional recovery, Aunty Jane will provide you with a medical certificate to have some time off work/school. In this time it's important for you to prioritise rest and recovery. Aunty Jane recommends no strenuous exercise in the first week as this has been found to increase your discomfort and bleeding. If you have a very physical job such as Defence Force, Cleaner, Landscaper, Nurse, FIFO, or Child Care Worker, we recommend you have 5 consecutive days of work following taking Step 2 (Misoprostol).

 

One week after you abortion you will be able to resume your normal activities of daily living. This includes work, exercise and sex. It is not safe to travel overseas in the month following your abortion. This is because, in the rare event of post abortion complications, this is most likely to happen in the month after taking the medication and you may not be covered by your travel insurance.

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​In the 7 days after taking Step 2 (Misoprostol)

  • No intercourse: This includes penetration, fingers, oral & pleasure toys.

  • Nothing inserted into the vagina: Tampons, penis & fingers.

  • No water submersion: Baths, ocean, swimming pools & spas.

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These measures help to prevent infection while your body heals and the cervix closes.

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​Emotional:

Emotional fluctuations in the days and weeks following a termination are common and can be influenced by a combination of hormonal, psychological, and social factors. Whether your choice is personal, medically necessary, or influenced by external circumstances, having an abortion can invoke complex feelings like relief, overwhelm, sadness, guilt, or uncertainty. During this time it's important to look after yourself both physically and emotionally and to recongise that every individual experience is unique. 

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Self-care is vital in the days and weeks following a abortion, as it supports both physical recovery and emotional well-being. Depending on your culture, self care looks different for everyone.

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​Self care can look like:

  • Prioritising a balanced diet of warming nutritious meal

  • Adequate rest to allow your body and mind to heal

  • Gentle activities such as a short walk or stretching

  • Meditation or activities that relax you

  • Reaching out to a trusted friend or loved one

  • FaceTime a friend who you haven’t seen in a while

  • Reading a book or watching your favourite film

  • Speaking with your psychologist or counsellor

  • Engaging with Aunty Jane’s Counsellors

  • Other personal self-care favorites 

Aunty Jane follows international best practice and safety guidelines, including those from the World Health Organisation and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Your care is confidential, safe, and evidence-based. 

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