Treatment options for unwanted pregnancy in the Netherlands

An unwanted pregnancy is an awkward situation that often leaves you with questions and doubts. In this article, you will read more about various treatments including the abortion pill treatment.

Unwanted pregnancy

Unwanted pregnancy is a complex and delicate situation a woman can find herself in. It is important to know that the decision to have an abortion can be a personal and difficult one. It is advisable to think about this carefully and possibly talk to someone you trust. You can also contact the FIOM, a neutral organisation that can help you make a choice.

There are several options available for women facing an unwanted pregnancy. The Abortion Clinics Haarlem & Amsterdam offer specialised help for unwanted pregnancy up to 22 weeks of pregnancy. They offer information, treatment and aftercare. In addition, these clinics also focus on prevention and education.

What are the treatment options for unwanted pregnancy?

Are you having an unwanted pregnancy? Then there are several treatment options available. The treatment options vary depending on the duration of the pregnancy. For a pregnancy up to 8 weeks, the abortion pill can be chosen, up to 12 weeks for suction curettage and at 13 to 22 weeks for abortion day treatment.

Abortion pill treatment

The abortion pill, also known as Mifegyne®, is a medicated abortion that is possible up to and including eight weeks of pregnancy. The treatment consists of two phases. In the first phase, in the abortion clinic, you swallow the abortion pill called Mifegyne®. This pill makes the pregnancy stop growing. It is important to be sure of your choice before taking this abortion pill because there is no turning back. The Mifegyne® must be taken at the abortion clinic and cannot be taken home.

In the second stage, you will be given four pills to take home, called misoprostol. You insert these pills vaginally a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 72 hours after taking the first abortion pill at the abortion clinic. After inserting the pills, you lie down for half an hour.

On average 1 to 2 hours after misoprostol is inserted, pregnancy rejection begins. This can take a long time, sometimes up to 24 hours. Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, which can cause pain and (sometimes heavy) blood loss.

After the abortion pill treatment, you will experience abdominal pain and blood loss, which can last from several days to weeks. It is important to contact the abortion clinic if your symptoms do not subside.