Medical Abortion Pain Management: What to Expect & How to Cope

Question
Hello Dr. Joan,

I am 5 weeks pregnant, and went in for a medical abortion just today.  I took the first pill this morning and am due to take the misoprostol two days later.  But after reading all the painful experiences of those women who have undergone medical abortion, I am dreading what is going to happen to me two days from now :-(

Now that I can't opt out of it, can you please give me some suggestions as to how to control the pain or how to bear it.  My doctor has given me some pain killers to take.

Answer
Dear Jem,
You made a good choice to try the abortion pill at this stage of pregnancy. If you are only 5 weeks pregnant, you have a very good chance of haing a positive experience with the abortion pill, or RU486.  The abortion pill is very unpredictable, but generally if you are under 7 weeks pregnant, you tend to have fewer problems with pain, nausea, and bleeding.
The best way to control the pain during a medical abortion is:
1) take 800 mg of ibuprofen before you take the misoprostol;
2) take vicoden or some pain medicine with codeine in it as soon as the cramps start;
3) lie on your side with your knees to your chest;
4) use heat on your lower abdomen.
5) have a friend with you to help you out.
Also, you don't need to wait 48 hours.  You can take the misoprostol 24 hours after the RU486 or mifepristone.
I hope this is helpful.
Good luck!
Doctor Joan
EarlyAbortionOptions.com
New York City