Abortion (MTP)

Abortion is when a pregnancy is ended so that it doesn’t result in the birth of a child. Sometimes it is called ‘termination of pregnancy’. Abortion is a stigmatized word which invokes deep seated emotions. It has both physical and emotional consequences for a woman undergoing the procedure. It is a sensitive issue and the reasons why a woman needs to undergo abortion or has to undergo abortion is best known to herself. The legal guidelines in India allow medical termination of pregnancy or abortion upto 20 weeks of pregnancy. Abortion can be classified as first trimester ( upto 12 weeks ) or second trimester ( upto 20 weeks ).

Non-surgical abortions using pills may be performed in the first 49 days of the first trimester. Non-surgical abortion is usually in pill form.

Because there is a chance of failure with pills, you must be willing to have a surgical abortion if the procedure fails. In addition, you must be able to commit to two or more visits to the clinic. Also, the pills have to be consumed in the presence of a gynaecologist and only after the gynaecologist confirms that the pregnancy is intrauterine. Consuming the pills without proper supervision by gynaecologist can be life threatening.

88% of all abortions in this country are performed in the first trimester (within 12 weeks since your last menstrual period). More than half are performed at 8 weeks or less. The most common methods for first trimester surgical abortions are D&C and vacuum aspiration (suction curettage).

At most clinics or abortion facilities, you will have some lab work to make sure you are pregnant and to test your blood type for the Rh factor (the negative or positive after your blood type). You should have a chance to talk about your decision with a counselor or other staff member and go over an informed consent to be sure of your decision and understand the possible risks and complications. An ultrasound may also be performed to confirm how far along you are.

Inside the procedure room you will be administered short acting General Anesthesia . The cervix is opened by blunt instruments and the products are removed.Then the doctor carefully checks the walls of the uterus with a spoon-shaped instrument (curette) to be sure no tissue remains.

Cramping is a normal and healthy process to get your uterus back to its normal size and stop the bleeding. The entire procedure takes just a few minutes and the cramps will usually get better within 5- 30 minutes.

After 12 weeks, second trimester abortions are typically available up to 20 weeks. 12% of all abortions are done after 12 weeks.

Induction – Labor is induced with medications and the woman delivers.

Medical Termination of Pregnancy(MTP) is a procedure that is carried out under anesthesia & increases the risk for the procedure. Patient can have lot of bleeding during & after the procedure. There are high chances of patient having recurrent abortions. Rarely, patient may not conceive again if infection sets in.