Termination of Pregnancy Flashcards
Give some of the main reasons for abortion
Failure of contraception
Sexual assault
Danger to mother’s life
Which age group has the highest rates of abortion?
20-24
How many registered medical practitioners are required to justify an abortion?
Two
What form are the doctors required to sign for an abortion?
Certificate A
Most terminations take place under which ground?
C - pregnancy has not exceeded week 24 and continuing pregnancy involves risk of injury to physical/mental health
What are the emergency grounds for termination?
F & G - necessary to save life or prevent grave permanent injury
What is Gillick competence?
The ability of a minor to consent to their own medical treatment
What should be discussed by the doctor with a minor who requests termination?
Potential risks
Gillick competence
Discussion with parents
Support after termination
Can doctors object to being involved in termination?
Yes - on moral or religious grounds
When must the doctor perform a termination despite conscientious objection?
In an emergency (i.e. grounds F & G)
What antibiotic is given as prophylaxis in termination?
Metronidazole
Up to what stage of pregnancy is surgical termination performed?
12 weeks
Up to what stage of pregnancy will NHS Tayside perform medical termination?
18 weeks + 6 days
What drug is given first in medical termination and how does it work?
Oral mifepristone - anti-progesterone
How long following the mifepristone is the second drug given?
24-48 hours
In a medical termination, what drug is given second and how does it work?
Vaginal/oral misoprostolol - prostaglandin
What method of surgical termination is carried out from 6-12 weeks?
Vacuum aspiration
What is the main advantage of surgical termination?
LARC (IUD etc.) can be fitted during procedure
What new method of surgical termination can be carried out up to 9 weeks?
Manual vacuum aspiration
Give some complications of termination
Pain Haemorrhage Infection Uterine perforation Cervical trauma
What aftercare is given following termination?
Urine pregnancy test
Anti-D
Counselling
Contraception
Which method of contraception should not be started immediately following termination?
Depot progesterone
