Termination of pregnancy Flashcards
Which act of parliament regulates TOP?
Abortion Act 1967
Which criteria of the abortion act is mostly used?
B- necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to physical or mental health of the woman”
When is abortion after 24 weeks permissible?
To save the life of the woman, if child will be severely handicapped
When do doctors not have the right to conscientiously object?
In an emergency
Prior to termination how is pregnancy confirmed?
Ultrasound scan
What should the woman be screened for?
Chlamydia due to risk of postoperative salpingitis
In which age group is the abortion rate highest?
20-24
What should pre-abortion assessment include? (3)
FBC
ABO and Rhesus blood groups
Screening for STI/rubella/BBV
How long should the pathway from referral to treatment take?
Ideally not longer than 2 weeks
What are the two stages involved in medical abortion?
- Oral mifeprostone 200mg
2. 24-48 hours later- vaginal/oral prostaglandin
How do the medical procedures differ early/late?
Early- second part (prostaglandin) can be carried out at home. Late- repeated doses of prostaglandin are given every 3/4 hours
What is mifepristone?
An antiprogesterone which “sensitizes” the endometrium to prostaglandins
How is the cervix “primed” in surgical abortion?
Prostaglandin PV
What are the suction techniques used? What anaesthetic do they use?
Electric vacuum (GA) Manual vacuum ( can be LA)
At what gestation is dilatation and evacuation preferred?
14-24 weeks
