2. Will this affect future pregnancies?

No. The medications leave your body within days.

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3. How much bleeding will I have?

Usually, the bleeding is heavier than a normal period. Often there are clots. The bleeding starts off heavily, and then gets less and less, as a period does.

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4. How long will I bleed?

The length of time is different for everyone, but will be longer than a period. Once the bleeding starts, it can be as short as a week but can last much longer, most often from 5 to 20 days. It is not heavy all the time.

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5. What is the failure rate?

About 75% of women miscarry within the first week. Another 15% miscarry by the end of the second week. By waiting for up to month, about 95% of women will have a successfully completed abortion.

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6. What happens if this doesn't work?

If you wait 2 or more weeks, and you don't lose the pregnancy, we will schedule you for a minor surgical procedure. this will occur for about 5% of women. Usually, this can be done right here in the same office and is very safe. There is less than 1% chance of any complications.

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7. Is this safe?

There is a very small risk of infection or bleeding which would require treatment.

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8. What are the short-term side effects?

The side effects of the medical abortion don't last long. Some women will have chills, headache, fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Some women experience none of these. If you have these effects, they usually last a day or so, and you can take medicine to reduce the side effects.

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9. Do I have to make an appointment?

Yes. You must make an appointment by phone for a medical abortion. Because we need to have some information ahead of time, you cannot just "walk in". Usually we are able to schedule you within 2-3 days.

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10. Why do I have to come to your office three times?

You need to come 3 times to be sure everything is safe, and worked well. On the first appointment, you will be assessed, see the doctor, have an ultrasound and then see a counselor to review the procedure. By the next day, we will have your blood tests back, and if all is well, you can have the methotrexate to stop the pregnancy growing (second appointment). You need a third appointment to be sure that the abortion has been successful and there are no problems.

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11. Do you do ultrasounds?

Yes, our doctors are trained to do pregnancy related ultrasounds. This means they can assess the dates of your pregnancy, and check to see if it is gone afterwards.

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12. What are the blood tests I will have?

You will have a hemoglobin test, and one for the Rh factor in your blood (your blood type) unless you have written proof of your blood type. Some women may have a third test if they have an illness, like hepatitis or kidney disease. A few women will need to go for extra blood tests to measure the level of pregnancy hormone.

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13. Do I have to have an injection?

No. You can drink the medication mixed in orange juice. However, if you are vomiting with the pregnancy, it is usually recommended to have the injection, so that you don't vomit the medication.

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14. How is my pregnancy calculated?

We calculate the dates of your pregnancy from the first date of your last menstrual period. Women get pregnant (conceive) 2 weeks after this. For example, when you miss your period by a few days you may think it is only 3 weeks since you got pregnant, but it would be 5 weeks since the first day of your last normal period. We would call this a 5 week pregnancy.

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15. How much time will I have to take off work/school?

Some women take no time off work. Many decide to take off one day- the first day of heavy bleeding. You can arrange to take the medication (misoprostol) that starts the bleeding on your regular day off.

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16. Do you have translators?

No. Unfortunately, we receive no government funding for counselling, medications or translation. If you don't speak and read English very well, you need to bring a friend or relative with you who can help you to understand the instructions or contact Mosaic Interpretation Services 604-254-8022 for a paid interpreter.

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17. Why do I have to pay?

Unfortunately, we receive no government funding for medications and your medical insurance Care Card does not pay for medications. If you have extended medical coverage, it may pay.

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