First: count your weeks correctly
Pregnancy is measured from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) — not from the day of sex or conception. This catches many women out: if your last period started six weeks ago, you are six weeks pregnant, even though conception happened roughly four weeks ago.
What the pills can do at each stage
| Weeks (from LMP) | Your options |
|---|---|
| Up to 9 weeks | Ideal window — pills are ~98% effective, symptoms are mildest, and recovery is quickest. |
| 9–12 weeks | Pills remain over 95% effective with an adjusted protocol — our provider tailors your instructions during the consultation. |
| 13–20 weeks | Pills at home are no longer recommended. Termination is still legal under specific circumstances — we refer you to partner clinics for a safe in-clinic procedure. |
| After 20 weeks | Only permitted where life is at risk or there is severe fetal abnormality — hospital care. |
Not sure of your dates? Irregular periods, breastfeeding or recent contraception can make counting hard. Tell us during your consultation — we can talk it through and refer you for a quick ultrasound if needed. Never guess upwards or downwards to "fit" — the right protocol depends on the honest number.
Private reproductive care
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I count how many weeks pregnant I am?
Count from the first day of your last period — not from when you think conception happened. If your period started 6 weeks ago, you are 6 weeks pregnant, even though conception was about 4 weeks ago.
What if I'm past 12 weeks?
Termination is still legal in South Africa up to 20 weeks under specific circumstances, but it needs an in-clinic procedure rather than pills at home. We refer you to trusted partner clinics — talk to us and we'll guide you.
Do the pills work very early, like at 4 weeks?
Yes — the pills are effective as soon as a pregnancy test is positive. There is no need to wait, and acting early means a shorter, lighter experience.