Medical Abortions And Why You Don't Need To Be Scared

What Is A Medical Abortion

A Medical abortion is any procedure to terminate a pregnancy. Whether it’s through surgery or with drugs.

Why Have A Medical Abortion

People have abortions for a multitude of reasons. Most of them are really personal. We are in no position to judge anyone who has chosen to have an abortion. Some reasons include

The woman may have a medical condition that would make a pregnancy, a threat to her life
The fetus may have a medical condition detected during ultrasound scan E.G anencephaly
Poor socioeconomic status
Bad timing
Lack of emotional maturity
Not thinking you are good enough to be a mother
Not wanting pregnancy to jeopardize her career
Some women do not want a baby outside wedlock
Conception against her will= rape

What To Do Before Having An Abortion

Educate yourself about your options
Make sure it is being performed by a certified medical practitioner
Wear comfortable clothes
Lab tests including STI tests
Ultrasound scan to determine the length of the pregnancy
The doctor should explain the procedure to you
Discuss reasons for considering an abortion and whether it is what you want

Types of Medical Abortion

Abortion Pills: This is a safe and effective way to end a pregnancy that is less than 9 weeks. Two pills are involved in the termination of pregnancy.

Mifepristone: This blocks the body from producing progesterone. This in turn stops the fetus from growing.

Misoprostol: it can be taken immediately or 24 hours after. This causes the uterus to cramp and bleed. This in turn empties the uterus. It causes heavy bleeding and abdominal pain.

The abortion pill is 90% effective as long as the pregnancy is not past 9 weeks ( 2months and 0ne week)

Manual Vacuum Aspiration: This is a procedure that uses a vacuum device to remove an embryo or fetus through the cervix. It can also be used as a treatment for incomplete spontaneous abortion or retained fetal tissue.

Dilatation And Curettage (D&C): This is when a doctor dilates or opens the cervix with a cervical dilator. He then uses a curette to scrape the uterus and remove tissue.

Types Of Spontaneous Abortion

What Is A Spontaneous Abortion

It is abortion or miscarriage is defined as pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of gestational age.

Types

Threatened abortion: Vaginal bleeding before 20 weeks gestational age with a closed cervical canal

Inevitable Abortion: This refers to unexplained vaginal bleeding with dilatation and opening of the cervical canal

Incomplete Abortion: It occurs when not all but some of the pregnancy tissue passes through the cervical canal

Complete abortion: This happens when all the pregnancy tissue is expelled from the uterus (womb)

Mixed Abortion: This happens when the fetus implants but does not develop.

Chemical Abortion: It happens before you even know you are pregnant. It is almost never visible on ultrasound. It is caused by chromosomal abnormalities

What To Do After Having An Abortion

Take painkillers
Use sanitary towels or pads
You may have irregular spotting
Severe mood swing
You may have painful swollen breasts
You may produce breastmilk. This is a result of your body thinking you are still pregnant
You may have intermittent abdominal cramps
After having an abortion, it takes time before the cervix closes.
Avoid putting anything in your vagina e.g. tampons
Avoid penetrative sex till you heal fully
Stay away from swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs.

Side Effects Of Abortion

Bleeding can last up to 21 days
Cramping
Drowsiness
Nausea/vomiting
Mood Swings

Complications Of Abortions

Damage to the womb or cervix
Excessive Bleeding
Infections of the uterus and fallopian tubes
Sepsis
Perforation of the Uterus
Uterine scarring
Fever

Conclusion

Medical Abortions are safe procedures as long as they are done the right way. However, if after your abortion, you notice any of these

Flu-like symptoms
Unusual vaginal discharge
Pain or bleeding that doesn’t stop even after medication
Severe throbbing abdominal pain

Contact your Doctor Immediately.

Medical Abortions And Why You Don’t Need To Be Scared