Same-day and delayed reports of pain intensity in second-trimester medical termination of pregnancy: a brief report

Contraception. 2014 Dec;90(6):609-11. doi: 10.1016/j.contraception.2014.06.031. Epub 2014 Jun 27.

Abstract

Objective: To assess same-day and delayed reports of pain intensity during and after second-trimester medical termination of pregnancy (MTOP).

Study design: A prospective randomized trial (217 women) comparing 1- and 2-day mifepristone-misoprostol intervals.

Results: Women reported intense pain [median visual analogue scale (interquartile range)] related to expulsion of the fetus [6 (0-10)]. Delayed reports of maximal pain described the pain as more intense than same-day reports [8 (3-10) vs. 7 (1-10), p<.001].

Conclusions: Most women reported and readily remembered intense pain associated with fetal expulsion during second-trimester MTOP.

Implications: Adequate, properly timed pain management during second-trimester MTOP is crucial.

Keywords: Medical abortion; Pain; Recollection; Second trimester abortion; Visual analogue scale.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abortion, Induced* / adverse effects
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mifepristone / administration & dosage
  • Misoprostol / administration & dosage
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pain, Postoperative / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Trimester, Second*
  • Prospective Studies

Substances

  • Misoprostol
  • Mifepristone