Unplanned Pregnancy Flashcards
What % of pregnancies are unintended at the point of conception?
30-50%
Up to what gestation can a pregnancy be terminated?
23+6 weeks
What gestation limit is put on termination of pregnancies where a significant risk of foetal disability is present?
No gestational limit exists in this scenario.
In what scenario must all healthcare professionals assist in abortion?
Emergency/Life-threatening situations.
Are abortions safer at a later gestation?
No, earliest is safest.
As gestation increases, does the uterus change in sensitivity to abortive medications?
Yes,it becomes more sensitive to mifepristone - a smaller dose can therefore be given.
What is the most commonly chosen form of abortion?
Medical
Makes up 97% of cases.
How is a medical abortion carried out?
Mifepristone initially then misoprostol 24-48 hours later.
Until which gestation can a home abortion be carried out?
11+6 weeks
What age group is responsible for most abortions?
20-24 year olds.
How is mifepristone given?
Orally
What is a potential side-effect of misoprostol treatment?
Fever - beware sepsis.
What should be carried out in an abortion in those over 12 weeks gestation?
USS
Perform procedure in clinical setting (regardless of method chosen)
Is abortion dangerous?
No, it is a low-risk procedure.
What is the most common complication of abortion?
Haemorrhage
What is offered to those who opt for a surgical intervention?
Prophylactic antibiotics
What antibiotics are given prophylactically in those attending for a surgical termination?
7 days of 100mg doxycycline bd OR 1g azithromycin followed by 0.5g azithromycin bd therafter.
What should be given to all rhesus negative women?
Anti-D.
Is DVT a risk in those undergoing abortion?
Yes, pregnancy is a hypercoagulable state.
What should always be discussed following abortion?
Contraception
Is contraception immediately effective following abortion?
Yes, if started within 5 days.
Is USS routinely carried out following an abortion?
No
What is carried out 2 weeks after a medical abortion?
Low-sensitivity pregnancy test (this is of HIGHER sensitivity).
What surgical interventions are available before 14 weeks gestation?
Electric vacuum aspiration (under GA)
Manual vacuum aspiration (under LA)
After 14 weeks gestation, what surgical intervention is carried out?
Dilatation and evacuation
What is the benefit to using local anaesthetic rather than general anaesthetic for surgery?
Allows for rapid discharge following a procedure.
