Types of abortion

The types of abortion include medical and surgical abortion.

Medical Abortion

  • Medical abortion occurs in three stages: before nine weeks (mifepristone and prostaglandin administered), between nine and twelve weeks (mifepristone with additional doses of prostaglandin administered), and after twelve weeks (multiple doses of protaglandin provided until the foetus is force delivered). While mifepristone stops the hormones developing the pregnancy, protaglandin causes the uterus to cramp with bleeding to force deliver the foetus through the cervix and vagina.

Risks of Medical Abortion include infection of the uterus, haemorrhage, misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy that occurs in the fallopian tubes, and incomplete or intrauterine pregnancy.

Surgical Abortion

  • Surgery is done with either local or light general anaesthetic to numb the cervix opening of the womb. Blood tests may be done first to check from STDs or STIs, and an ultrasound to see the pregnancy progression. An antibiotic may be given to reduce likelihood of infection. Medication may be provided beforehand to soften the cervix before surgery.

    There are two types of surgery: Vacuum Aspiration is used in pregnancies of seven to twelve weeks where a tube can be inserted into the womb and the foetus sucked out during local anaesthetic in an approximate ten minute procedure. Surgical Dilation and Evacuation (D&E) is used for pregnancies of twelve to nineteen weeks, where a suction is also used in combination with forceps and a curette to remove the foetus from the womb in a thirty minute procedure.

Abortions can be done in a hospital or a licensed clinic. After surgery the anaesthetic will take time to wear off and pain killers may be prescribed. Vaginal bleeding occurs and a sanitary towel can be used similar for menstruation. Transport home will need to be arranged. The doctor will book a follow-up appointment for you to check up on your wellbeing.

Risks of Surgical Abortion include infection of the uterus, haemorrhage, misdiagnosed ectopic pregnancy that occurs in the fallopian tubes, and incomplete or intrauterine pregnancy, similar to medical abortion. However, there are additional risks such as uterine perforation, cervical laceration and blood clots developing in the uterus (also called hematometra).

Losing a Baby:



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