Opting for an Abortion is a difficult decision. On occasions, it is a forced decision that you may have to make, considering social, familial or financial reasons. Yet, sometimes, it can be a painful one if your doctor suggests an Abortion citing reasons such as the health of your baby in the womb or your own present health condition. It is recommended that you talk to your partner, family as well as your doctor before you make your decision.
Abortion is a low-risk procedure. An early Abortion has lesser risk than a delayed one. Nevertheless, as with any surgery or medication, problems can arise. | | | Types of abortion
An Abortion is a procedure wherein the Fetus (unborn baby) is forced or pushed out of the Uterus. When this procedure is done to end a pregnancy, it is known as induced Abortion. Most abortions are usually performed in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. There are of course many ways in which an induced Abortion can be performed—some by surgery and others with medication. Various factors determine the type of abortion, such as your health, the length of your pregnancy, etc. However, it should be noted that delaying an Abortion or performing the procedure during the later stages of pregnancy can be complicated and unsafe.
| | Side effects of vaccines | | Nausea | | Vomiting | | Fever | | Chills | | Abdominal pain and cramping | | Diarrhea | | Bleeding |
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Menstrual aspiration
This type of Abortion is done by inserting a syringe to remove the pregnancy from the lining of the Uterus. Doctors usually recommend this procedure between the first and third week after a missed period. | | Suction Curettage
In this procedure, a suction device is inserted into the Uterus to eliminate the pregnancy. Also called “vacuum curettage”, this procedure is the most commonly used method of Abortion and is usually performed until the 12th week of pregnancy. If it is done after the 12th week, then the procedure is called dilatation and evacuation (D&E). The procedure involves administering local Anesthesia around the Cervix so that the patient does not feel pain. Sometimes, certain medications or general Anesthesia may also be used to induce sleep while the procedure is being performed.
| | | The procedure will take longer if it is done after the 12th week or later during the pregnancy. If there are no associated complications,the patient is usually allowed to go home about an hour after the procedure. Women may experience soreness and cramps for a few days after the procedure. Vaginal bleeding can also occur and may last for up to 2 weeks. | | Medical Abortion
Medical Abortion is a method where certain medications are taken to cause an Abortion. However, this method can be done only during the early phase of pregnancy, that is, between the 1st and the 9th week. This type of Abortion requires no surgery or Anesthesia. And remember, the drugs used in a medical Abortion will cause bleeding and cramping. They also may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Warning signs that may require the attention and care of your doctor are heavy bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, severe abdominal pain or high fever. If medical Abortion fails, surgical Abortion is the only other alternative.
| | | Medical abortions are not recommended for women with certain health conditions such as uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension),heart diseases, severe anemia, liver, lung or kidney disease. Surgery then becomes a better option. | | Abortion through labor
Medical Abortion is a method where certain medications are taken to cause an Abortion. However, this method can be done only during the early phase of pregnancy, that is, between the 1st and the 9th week. This type of Abortion requires no surgery or Anesthesia. And remember, the drugs used in a medical Abortion will cause bleeding and cramping. They also may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. Warning signs that may require the attention and care of your doctor are heavy bleeding, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, severe abdominal pain or high fever. If medical Abortion fails, surgical Abortion is the only other alternative. | | Risks involved in abortions
Failed abortions: On rare occasions, an Abortion procedure may fail to remove the pregnancy completely. If the Abortion is incomplete, the doctor may need to perform follow-up Curettage.
Infections: Sometimes abortions can result in vaginal bleeding and infection. Infections occur when bacteria from the Vagina or the Cervix enter the Uterus. These complications are usually anticipated and necessary medications are recommended to prevent infections or treat it if it occurs.
Surgical damage: Although rare, surgical abortions may sometimes tear or cause damage to the wall of the uterus, Cervix or Bladder. This may require further surgery to repair the damage. The risk of surgical damage increases with the length of the pregnancy. | | Common myth
You may probably hear that women who undergo an Abortion have an increased risk of breast cancer. However, research and studies have not proven this. Developing breast cancer after an Abortion can be attributed to many other factors other than Abortion such as family history, lifestyle habits, other existing health conditions, age, number of pregnancies, etc. | | Getting back to routine
A woman’s normal Menstrual cycle begins again around 4–6 weeks after an Abortion. Pregnancy can happen soon after abortion, so necessary protection needs to be taken to prevent pregnancy. Your doctor will help you choose the right birth control methods based on your health and lifestyle. |
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