Alabukun which is always combined with lime is a salicylate drug, a kind of analgesic used for pain.

Abortion is the termination of pregnancy by the removal expulsion of a fetus or embryo from the uterus (womb) prior to the age of viability. The age of viability varies from one country to another.  

Abortion can be spontaneous or induced.

It is commonly said that lime juice can induce abortion. Some people even use it with Alabukun in order to induce abortion of an early pregnancy.

Alabukun which is always combined with lime is a salicylate drug, a kind of analgesic used for pain. Alabukun is not an abortifacient and will not abort an early pregnancy.

Alabukun should not to be used in the third trimester of pregnancy because of risk of bleeding, although a single dose may not cause bleeding in the third trimester.

(READ: Nigerian Medical Fallacy Series #3: Alcoholic stout will help cure Anaemia)

Some other over the counter drugs are also used for the purpose of abortion and should be discouraged because of risk of teratogenicity (the ability to cause birth defects.)

How to avoid getting pregnant

According to the Planned Parenthood website, using birth control consistently and correctly is the best way a sexually active woman can avoid pregnancy.  There are many safe, effective birth control options.

To prevent taking in (conceiving), I advice women to use two modern methods of contraception simultaneously just in case one fails.

Lime juice and pregnancy

It is also important to state that some people have a craving for lime juice during pregnancy and some even use it to make tea. Lime juice is safe in pregnancy and will not harm the foetus.

Lime juice contains vitamin C. However it is not advisable to supplement with too much vitamin C when pregnant, because it is not considered safe during pregnancy.

The best vitamin supplement during pregnancy is one that is specifically designed for pregnant women and contains just the right amount of vitamins.

Note: Lime is not an abortifacient

About the Author

Dr Sola Fajana is a General Practitioner (MBChB Ife) and also an active member of a peer health group where he writes weekly posts on important health issues that affects young Nigerians.

He is an initiator of Project MOVE, a non-profit body he created due to his passion of educating people about their health.

If you have any questions, Dr Sola Fajana can be reached @solafajana on twitter/Sola FAJANA on Facebook. You can also leave a comment below and you will get a reply from him.