Termination Flashcards
What is the upper limit of weeks that a normal pregnancy can be terminated?
24 weeks
What are the key points of the 1967 abortion act for termination of a normal pregnancy?
Pregnancy would:
- Involve risk greater than if the pregnancy was terminated causing physical or mental injury to the woman and any existing children
- There is substantial risk that the child in question would suffer from a physical or mental handicap.
Women should get an abortion within 2 weeks of decision
When can the upper limit of termination of pregnancy be breached?
- When necessary to save life of the woman
- There is evidence of extreme fetal abnormality,
- Risk of SERIOUS physical or mental injury to the woman
What method of termination is used < 9 weeks?
MIFEPRISTONE (anti-progesterone)
THEN 48h LATER
PROSTAGLANDINS = stimulate uterine contractions
What method of termination is used 9 - 13 weeks gestation
Surgical dilation and suction of uterine contents
What method of termination is used > 13-15 weeks
Surgical dilation and evacuation of uterine cavity
OR
Late medical abortion
Which key figures are needed for a termination to go ahead?
Two registered practitioners need to sign a legal document
Only 1 needed in cases of emergency
Who needed to perform an abortion?
A registered medical practitioner in NHS hospital or licensed premises
What investigations are needed before termination?
- Chlamydia (25% post-op salpingitis if untreated)
- Rhesus status ((if negative need anti-D afterwards)
- Haemoglobin, blood type, haemoglobinopathies, hepatitis B virus, HIV
- Cervical screening, poss US (if ectopic suspected)
What are the complications of termination?
- Infection (10% risk may need prophylactic antibiotics)
- Trauma (1%)
UNCOMMON
-Hemorrhage, perforation of uterus, failed termination
