Women for Women in Kenya

09/08/2025

Safe Abortion at 20 Weeks: What You Should Know
Why Would Someone Seek an Abortion at 20 Weeks?
Discovery of severe fetal anomalies.
Health risks to the pregnant person.
Delayed access to care or late pregnancy recognition.
Gender-based violence, abandonment, or life changes
This is a difficult, emotional, and medically complex decision — and one that must be managed in a safe, legal, and professional setting.

What Are the Safe Abortion Options at 20 Weeks?
1. Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)
Preferred method after 16 weeks.
Performed by an experienced provider.
Involves gentle dilation of the cervix and removal of the pregnancy.
Quick and safe when done in a medical facility
2. Medical Abortion (Using Pills)
Only under clinical supervision.
Mifepristone blocks pregnancy hormones.
Misoprostol induces labor-like contractions.
Performed in a clinic or hospital with monitoring.
⚠️ DO NOT attempt self-managed abortion at 20 weeks. It can be fatal.

What to Expect During the Procedure
Pre-abortion counseling and emotional support.
Ultrasound to confirm gestation and rule out ectopic pregnancy.
Lab tests and vitals.
Safe procedure: medication or D&E.
Pain relief and follow-up care
How to Prevent Complications After the Procedure
Take all antibiotics and painkillers as prescribed
Rest and avoid heavy tasks for several days
Do not insert anything in the va**na for 1–2 weeks.
Watch for danger signs:

Bleeding that soaks more than 2 pads per hour.
Fever, chills, or severe abdominal pain.
Foul-smelling va**nal discharge
📞 If you notice any of these — contact us immediately.

We Are Here for You
At Women for Women Kenya, we understand how hard this decision can be. We offer:

Professional care for second-trimester abortions.
Qualified clinicians and private facilities.
Ultrasounds, labs, and support counseling.
Discreet, non-judgmental, and compassionate service.
📞 Call/Text: 0700 811 528
📍 Location: Roysambu, Lumumba Drive, Nairobi
🌐 Website: www.womenforwomenkenya.com
📧 Email: kenyawomenforwomen@gmail.com

🌺 Your Life. Your Health. Your Choice.
If you’re 20 weeks pregnant and considering a termination, don’t risk unsafe care. Get in touch. We will help you safely and with dignity.

08/08/2025

https://womenforwomenkenya.com/how-to-remove-a-stranger-from-the-belly-understanding-safe-abortion-options/

Pregnancy can be a deeply personal journey, but for some, it may come as an unexpected and unwanted experience—almost like carrying a stranger inside. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be searching for ways to remove a stranger from your belly or stomach safely. Understanding your op...

07/08/2025

How hCG levels are managed in medical and surgical abortion procedures.
1. Medical Abortion
A medical abortion involves taking medications to terminate a pregnancy. This method is usually offered up to 10–12 weeks of gestation, depending on local laws and medical guidelines.

Medications Used:
Mifepristone:

Blocks the hormone progesterone, which is necessary to maintain the pregnancy.
Causes the uterine lining to break down, detaching the embryo or fetus.
Misoprostol:

Taken 24–48 hours after mifepristone.
Induces uterine contractions, expelling the pregnancy tissue.
hCG Monitoring in Medical Abortion:
Before the Procedure:

Baseline hCG levels are measured to confirm pregnancy and estimate gestational age.
Ultrasound may be used alongside hCG levels for more precise dating.
After the Procedure:

hCG Decline: hCG levels should decrease by at least 80–90% within 7–14 days.
A follow-up visit typically occurs 1–2 weeks after the abortion to confirm completion using either:
hCG testing: Blood or urine tests can confirm declining levels.
Ultrasound: Confirms that the uterus is empty.
Incomplete Abortion:

If hCG levels decline slowly or plateau, it may indicate retained pregnancy tissue, requiring additional doses of misoprostol or surgical intervention.
2. Surgical Abortion
Surgical abortion involves a procedure to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. It is typically performed during the first or second trimester, depending on gestational age and circumstances.

Methods Used:
Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA):
A handheld suction device is used to empty the uterus.
Performed up to 12–14 weeks of pregnancy.
Dilation and Curettage (D&C):
A surgical instrument is used to scr**e the uterine lining.
Often used in first-trimester or early second-trimester abortions.
Dilation and Evacuation (D&E):

Combines suction and surgical instruments to remove pregnancy tissue.
Used for second-trimester abortions (13–24 weeks).
hCG Monitoring in Surgical Abortion:
Before the Procedure:

hCG levels confirm pregnancy.
Ultrasound is often used to determine gestational age and rule out complications like ectopic pregnancy.
After the Procedure:

In most cases, no further hCG monitoring is required if the abortion is performed by a skilled provider and complications are absent.
Follow-up is recommended only if symptoms like heavy bleeding, fever, or persistent pregnancy signs occur.
Retained Tissue:

Rarely, some pregnancy tissue may remain, causing hCG levels to decline slowly. This can result in persistent bleeding or infection and may require additional intervention.
Key Differences in hCG Management Between Medical and Surgical Abortion
Aspect

Medical Abortion

Surgical Abortion

Initial hCG Testing

Often required to confirm eligibility and baseline.

Used mainly to confirm pregnancy.

Follow-up Testing

Necessary to ensure hCG levels decline sufficiently.

Rarely needed unless complications arise.

Monitoring Timeline

hCG levels monitored over 1–2 weeks.

Typically no prolonged hCG tracking required.

3. Other Considerations
Ectopic Pregnancy:

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, often in the fallopian tubes.
hCG levels rise more slowly than in a normal pregnancy and may not double every 48–72 hours.
Medical or surgical intervention is necessary to manage the condition, and hCG levels are closely monitored until they return to zero.
Molar Pregnancy:

A molar pregnancy is a rare complication where abnormal tissue grows inside the uterus instead of a normal pregnancy.
hCG levels are unusually high and persist after the tissue is removed.
Long-term monitoring ensures no malignant tissue remains.
Self-Managed Abortion:

For women managing abortion outside clinical settings, monitoring hCG levels can help confirm completion.
Home urine pregnancy tests can detect residual hCG, but they are less precise than blood tests.
Key Points for hCG Monitoring

hCG levels should decline steadily after a successful abortion or miscarriage.
Persistent or slowly declining levels may indicate retained tissue, ectopic pregnancy, or ongoing pregnancy.
Follow-up care is essential to prevent complications and ensure complete resolution.
https://womenforwomenkenya.com/how-hcg-levels-are-managed-in-medical-and-surgical-abortion-procedures/

06/08/2025

How to Minimize Excessive Bleeding During and After Abortion
1️⃣ The Most Important Step: Abort Early
As we always emphasize:
👉 The earlier you abort, the lower the risk of heavy bleeding.
Abortion before 10 weeks usually involves less tissue and is safer.
2️⃣ Use Correct Doses and Medications
Always follow a medically recommended protocol for abortion pills:

Mifepristone 200 mg orally (first step)
Followed by Misoprostol 800 mcg (usually 24-48 hours later) va**nally, buccally, or sublingually.

Incorrect dosages or misuse of pills can increase bleeding risks.
3️⃣ Rule Out Risk Factors Before Abortion
Before taking abortion pills, ensure:
You do not have an ectopic pregnancy.
You do not have bleeding disorders (like anemia, clotting disorders, etc.).
You are not on blood thinners or medications that increase bleeding.
Women for Women Kenya always screens clients carefully for these risks.

4️⃣ Pain Management and Bleeding Control
Ibuprofen (Brufen) not only reduces pain but may also help reduce prostaglandin-induced heavy bleeding.
Dose: 400–800 mg every 6–8 hours.

Avoid aspirin, as it can make bleeding worse.
5️⃣ Good Aftercare Practices
Avoid heavy physical activities or lifting heavy objects for a few days after the abortion.
Avoid inserting anything into the va**na (no s*x, tampons, or douching) until bleeding stops.
6️⃣ Know the Red Flags
Even with good care, bleeding varies. It’s important to know when bleeding becomes excessive:

Soaking more than 2 maxi pads per hour for more than 2 hours
Feeling faint, dizzy, weak, or very tired
Passing very large clots (bigger than a golf ball) repeatedly
👉 In these cases, Seek immediate medical attention.
7️⃣ In Clinic Settings: Use of Medications to Control Bleeding
For clinics like Women for Women Kenya, if excessive bleeding happens:

Tranexamic Acid (Exacyl or Cyklokapron):

Dose: 1,000 mg orally or IV, 2–3 times daily
Helps stabilize blood clots

Oxytocin (for surgical abortion or retained products):

Promotes uterine contractions to stop bleeding.
Repeat doses of misoprostol may help expel retained tissue.

8️⃣ Follow-Up is Crucial
Always have a follow-up visit after abortion (usually after 7-14 days) to ensure:
Abortion is complete
There are no retained products
Bleeding has normalized
🔑 Key Takeaway: Early, Correct, and Monitored Care = Less Bleeding
At Women for Women Kenya, we always remind women:

✅ Act early
✅ Use medications correctly
✅ Follow medical advice
✅ Know when to seek help

1️⃣ The Most Important Step: Abort Early As we always emphasize: 👉 The earlier you abort, the lower the risk of heavy bleeding.Abortion before 10 weeks usually involves less tissue and is safer. 2️⃣ Use Correct Doses and Medications Always follow a medically recommended protocol for abort...

05/08/2025

Surgical abortion: Everything you need to know about in-clinic procedures
A surgical abortion is a procedure done by a trained medical professional in a clinical setting like an abortion clinic or, sometimes, a hospital.

There are two main types of surgical abortion: vacuum aspiration and dilation and evacuation (D&E). Vacuum aspiration is most often used up to 16 weeks after your last period, while D&E is used up to 24 weeks.

Vacuum aspiration
Vacuum aspiration is the most common type of in-clinic abortion, according to provider women for women Kenya

This procedure uses gentle suction to empty your uterus. It isn’t typically painful, but you may feel some cramping because your uterus will contract as the tissue is removed.

The procedure lasts about 5–10 minutes. You may need to stay at the clinic for up to a few hours afterward to ensure the abortion is complete.

Safety, side effects, and risks
Like other forms of abortion, vacuum aspiration is extremely safe. A large body of evidence suggests that less than 1% of people who have a vacuum aspiration procedure experience major complications.

Side effects after a vacuum aspiration procedure can include:

bleeding or spotting
cramps
nausea
sweating
dizziness
As with any surgery or procedure, vacuum aspiration abortion has a small risk of infection. The chance of experiencing an infection from a vacuum aspiration abortion is likely a bit higher than it is from medical abortion.

Your provider may prescribe you an antibiotic to help reduce infection risk.

Despite myths and misinformation, there is no evidence that having any kind of abortion affects your fertility, prevents you from becoming pregnant in the future, raises your risk of breast cancer or miscarriage, or affects your mental health in the long term.

Dilation and evacuation (D&E)
D&E is often used a bit later on in pregnancy. It uses a combination of vacuum aspiration, forceps, and dilation and curettage (D&C).

To start, the provider dilates (or widens) your cervix to make it easier to remove the pregnancy tissue. They may have you take misoprostol and/or mifepristone, medications that help soften the uterus and cause it to contract, to help with that.

Then, they will use forceps to remove the fetus and placenta, a tube to suction out the uterus, and a scoop-like instrument called a curette to scr**e out the uterine lining.

You’ll have this procedure in a hospital or a clinic. A D&E can be somewhat painful, but your provider can give you numbing medicines or local anesthesia to prevent discomfort and will likely send you home with prescription pain medication.

The procedure generally takes less than 30 minutes. You can go home the same day, but as with many surgeries, you may need to wait at the clinic for a while to ensure you’re doing OK.

Safety, side effects, and risks
D&E is a safe and common abortion method, and it’s the preferred choice for ending a pregnancy that has progressed to the second trimester.

That’s because it’s associated with the lowest risk of complications, compared with other methods of ending pregnancies in the second trimester.

Side effects from a D&E may include:

bleeding
cramping
breast engorgement or lactation
nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
chills
Some complications are possible but unlikely. These include infection, perforation, and excessive bleeding or hemorrhage.

Efficacy
Vacuum aspiration and D&E are extremely effective for ending your pregnancy.

These abortions are successful about 98% of the time, with just 2% of people needing to return to a clinic for an additional procedure or a pill to complete the abortion.

Some sources suggest that surgical aspiration is somewhat more likely to be successful than medical abortion, but more research is needed to confirm whether and why that’s the case.
https://womenforwomenkenya.com/surgical-abortion-everything-you-need-to-know-about-in-clinic-procedures/

04/08/2025

Can the abortion pill be reversed after you have taken it?
The “abortion pill” is the popular name for a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy using a combination of two medicines: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone stops the pregnancy from growing. After taking mifepristone, you take a second medicine (misoprostol) up to 48 hours later. This causes cramping and bleeding and empties your uterus.

Claims about treatments that reverse the effects of medication abortion are out there, and a handful of states require doctors and nurses to tell their patients about them before they can provide abortion care. But these claims haven’t been proven in reliable medical studies — and they haven’t been tested for safety, effectiveness, or the likelihood of side effects — so experts like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reject these untested treatment ideas.

Studies on the abortion pill do show that if you take the first medicine (mifepristone) but don’t take the second (misoprostol) the abortion is less likely to work. So if you took mifepristone (the first medicine) but are having second thoughts, contact the doctor or nurse you saw for the abortion right away to talk about your best next steps and what to expect.

If you started taking misoprostol, it’s important to keep in mind that misoprostol can cause birth defects if the pregnancy continues. So contact your nurse or doctor right away if you’re having second thoughts about your abortion.

When can I take the abortion pill?
In general, you can have a medication abortion up to 77 days (11 weeks) after the first day of your last period. If it’s been 78 days or more since the first day of your last period, you can have an in-clinic abortion to end your pregnancy.

The “abortion pill” is the popular name for a safe and effective way to end an early pregnancy using a combination of two medicines: mifepristone and misoprostol. Mifepristone stops the pregnancy from growing. After taking mifepristone, you take a second medicine (misoprostol) up to 48 hours lat...

03/08/2025

How to Use Misoprostol Safely: Sublingual vs Va**nal Administration
What is Misoprostol?
Misoprostol is a medication used for medical abortion, miscarriage management, and postpartum bleeding. It causes the uterus to contract and expel pregnancy tissue. It is often used on its own or together with mifepristone for safe abortion.

How Can Misoprostol Be Taken?
There are two main ways to take misoprostol when terminating a pregnancy:

Sublingual (under the tongue)
Va**nal (inserted in the va**na)
1. Sublingual (Under the Tongue)
Place 4 misoprostol tablets (200mcg each) under the tongue.
Let them dissolve for 30 minutes — don’t swallow them right away.
If some remains after 30 minutes, swallow it with water.
✔ Pros of Sublingual Use:
Faster onset of action (within 30 minutes to 1 hour)
Easy and discreet — no need to undress
Useful when privacy is needed or insertion is uncomfortable
✘ Cons of Sublingual Use:
May cause more side effects — like fever, chills, or nausea
Taste may be unpleasant
How to Use Misoprostol Safely: Sublingual vs Va**nal Administration
2. Va**nal (Inserted in the Va**na)
Wash your hands and lie down comfortably.
Insert 4 misoprostol tablets (200mcg each) deep inside the va**na, as close to the cervix as possible.
Remain lying down for at least 30 minutes to allow the tablets to absorb.
✔ Pros of Va**nal Use:
Less likely to cause fever or chills
Sometimes better for later pregnancies (9+ weeks)
Longer-lasting effect (up to 6 hours)
✘ Cons of Va**nal Use:
Can feel invasive or uncomfortable
Requires privacy and clean conditions
May not be ideal during heavy bleeding
Which Method is Better?
Both sublingual and va**nal use are effective and safe. The choice depends on:

Stage of pregnancy
Personal comfort and privacy
Whether the abortion is self-managed or done with clinical support
👉 For pregnancies under 12 weeks, both methods are equally effective.
👉 Some guidelines recommend the va**nal route for 9–13 weeks due to better absorption

Important Tips
Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after placing the tablets sublingually.
If using va**nally, avoid inserting anything else for at least 7 days after the procedure (including tampons or s*x).
Expect cramping, bleeding, and tissue passage — this is normal.
Follow up for post-abortion care and ultrasound if needed.
Need Help or Guidance?
Women for Women Kenya provides:

Confidential teleconsultations
Medical abortion kits (misoprostol, combipack)
Clear instructions and follow-up support
Doorstep delivery across Kenya
📞 Contact Us
Phone/WhatsApp: 0700 811 528
Email: kenyawomenforwomen@gmail.com
Website: www.womenforwomenkenya.com
🧠 Remember: The earlier the abortion, the safer it is. Misoprostol is powerful, but knowing how to use it correctly makes all the difference.
https://womenforwomenkenya.com/how-to-use-misoprostol-safely-sublingual-vs-va**nal-administration/

29/07/2025

🩺 What Is Terminex?
Terminex is a brand name often used for a medical abortion pill pack that typically contains two medicines:

Mifepristone (200 mg) – blocks the hormone progesterone, which is needed to sustain pregnancy.
Misoprostol (800 mcg total, usually in four 200 mcg tablets) – causes the uterus to contract and expel the pregnancy.
This combination is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for safe and effective medical

28/07/2025

Dilation and evacuation in Kenya.
Dilation and evacuation is another type of surgical abortion that doctors typically recommend if the woman has been pregnant for more than 12 weeks according to World Health Organization.

Dilation and evacuation involves the use of a general anaesthetic, which puts the woman to sleep. This means she will not be conscious during the procedure and will be unable to feel pain.

The doctor begins by using dilators, which are thin rods, to open the woman’s cervix. Then they use forceps and suction to remove the pregnancy tissue.

After having a dilation and evacuation procedure, we observed that a woman may experience some cramping for 1 or 2 days. She may also have spotting or bleeding for up to 2 weeks.

Abortions are a medical way to terminating a pregnancy. While abortions may cause some pain or cramping, many Kenyan women can manage the discomfort. This is why we advise most information to be taking as a hyperbole. Every individual has a different pain threshold and a single comment seen on the i...

28/07/2025

What to Expect After an Abortion: A Complete Guide
At Women for Women Kenya, we believe in empowering women with accurate, compassionate information. After an abortion — whether medical (using pills) or surgical — it’s normal to have questions and concerns about what comes next.

Here’s what you can expect, what’s normal, and when to seek help.

1️⃣ Bleeding
Light bleeding or spotting may last up to 2 weeks after an abortion.
You may pass small clots, especially in the first few days.
Bleeding should gradually decrease day by day.
Some women experience brief episodes of heavier bleeding as the uterus clears itself.
⚠ Call us immediately if you experience:

Soaking more than 2 maxi pads per hour for 2 hours
Dizziness, weakness, or fainting.
Large clots (larger than a golf ball) repeatedly.

2️⃣ Cramping
Cramping is common, especially in the first few hours or days.

This happens as the uterus returns to its normal size.

You can manage cramping with:

Ibuprofen (400–800 mg) every 6–8 hours.
Warm compresses or gentle rest.

3️⃣ Emotions
It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions — relief, sadness, or anxiety.
Hormonal shifts can temporarily affect your mood.
If feelings of sadness or anxiety persist or worsen, talk to us — we offer counseling and support.
4️⃣ Physical Activity
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for a few days.
Gentle walking and light activity are usually fine.
Avoid swimming or baths for a few days to reduce infection risk
5️⃣ Sexual Activity & Va**nal Care
Avoid va**nal in*******se, tampons, or douching until bleeding completely stops (usually 1–2 weeks).
This helps prevent infection and allows your uterus time to heal.

6️⃣ Fertility After Abortion
Fertility can return quickly — as soon as 10–14 days after abortion.
If you’re not ready for another pregnancy, start contraception immediately after the procedure.
At Women for Women Kenya, we offer counseling on:

Pills
Implants
IUDs
Injectables
Condoms
7️⃣ Follow-Up Care
A follow-up visit is strongly recommended:

Usually 1–2 weeks after the abortion.
We check that the abortion is complete and that you’re healing well.
Pregnancy tests done too soon may still show positive — we can guide you on the right timing.

8️⃣ When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Heavy bleeding that does not slow down
High fever (above 38°C)
Severe or increasing abdominal pain
Foul-smelling va**nal discharge
Fainting or feeling very weak
❤️ We Are Here for You
At Women for Women Kenya, your health, privacy, and well-being are our top priority. Every woman’s experience is unique, and we are here to support you before, during, and after your abortion.

If you need support, counseling, or medical care, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

At Women for Women Kenya, we believe in empowering women with accurate, compassionate information. After an abortion — whether medical (using pills) or surgical — it’s normal to have questions and concerns about what comes next.Here’s what you can expect, what’s normal, and when to seek he...

09/06/2025

visit any of our clinics for guidance.
https://womenforwomenkenya.com/.

Safe abortion and post-abortion care in Kenya Assisting women in Kenya to access proper Reproductive Health Care services majorly, specializing in providing access to safe abortion services. EMAIL US CALL US NOW ! Our Services Pregnancy Test More info Abortion Services More info Miscarriage Services...