Pregnant but the embryo hasn't reached the uterus yet—how to terminate?

May 11, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
It is not possible to rule out the possibility of an ectopic pregnancy before the gestational sac has reached the uterus, and therefore termination of pregnancy should not be performed. Only after confirming an intrauterine pregnancy can an appropriate method for terminating the pregnancy be chosen. After confirming an intrauterine pregnancy, if the duration of missed periods is within 49 days, you may go to the hospital to take mifepristone tablets and misoprostol tablets under medical supervision to terminate the pregnancy. If the pregnancy exceeds 49 days, it is recommended to undergo an abortion procedure at the hospital.

Pregnancy cannot be terminated before the gestational sac has reached and implanted in the uterus. Termination can only be performed once the gestational sac has successfully implanted inside the uterus, which is typically achieved through medical abortion or surgical abortion. The details are as follows:

When the gestational sac has not yet entered the uterus, ectopic pregnancy cannot be ruled out, and termination should not be attempted at this stage. Attempting abortion in cases of ectopic pregnancy will not only fail to terminate the pregnancy but may also lead to rupture of the ectopic implantation site, causing severe hemorrhage. It is essential to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy before choosing an appropriate method for termination. Once the gestational sac has entered the uterus and an intrauterine pregnancy is confirmed, medical abortion using mifepristone tablets and misoprostol tablets under a doctor's supervision at a hospital is an option if the menstrual period has been missed for less than 49 days. If the pregnancy exceeds 49 days, surgical abortion at a hospital is recommended.

All forms of abortion may cause some degree of physical and uterine damage. It is important to undergo necessary pre-abortion examinations, pay attention to post-abortion recovery, and complete follow-up checkups.