Unplanned pregnancy

Question 1

Do not offer anti-D prophylaxis to women who are having a medical abortion up to and including 10+0weeks’ gestation
True/false?

Answer 1

True

Consider anti-D prophylaxis for women who are rhesus D negative and are having a surgical abortion up to and including 10+0weeks’ gestation.

Question 2

What is a medical abortion?

Answer 2

the termination of pregnancy with the use of two medications: Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

These two medications work in conjunction to inhibit the continued development of the embryo and cause uterine contractions.

Question 3

Mechanism of action for mifepristone and misoprostol in medical abortion?

Answer 3

Mifepristone, a progesterone antagonist, is used to block progesterone from its receptors. Progesterone is a natural hormone vital for blood and nutrient supply to the developing embryo.

Misoprostol causes the uterus to contract and expel the embryo, placenta, and amniotic fluid.

Question 4

Time period for medical abortion in gestation?

Answer 4

can be performed at home before 11 weeks gestation and in the hospital setting after 15 weeks gestation.

The hospital setting is important for women greater than 15 weeks pregnant or those who are anemic, so that blood transfusions are quickly available if needed.

Question 5

Risks and possible complications of medical abortion?

Answer 5

Termination failure.
Hemorrhage.
Infection.
Depression.

Question 6

What is a surgical abortion?

Answer 6

also known as instrumental evacuation or suction aspiration abortion, is the removal of an embryo, placenta, and amniotic fluid.

Though this procedure is effective at terminating a pregnancy, it is more invasive than medical abortion.

Question 7

When should surgical abortion be carried out?

Answer 7

anytime before 24 weeks gestation

Surgical abortion is not recommended after 24 weeks gestation due to the increased risk of complications.

Question 8

Procedure of surgical abortion?

Answer 8

An in-clinic pregnancy test is performed and/or ultrasound to verify pregnancy.

A blood test will check blood type in case a blood transfusion is needed.

A speculum will be used to view the inside of the vagina.

The vagina and cervix will be cleaned to help prevent infection.

Local analgesics will be injected into the cervix and other pain control methods will be implemented.

A tapered dilator and/or medical dilator will be used to stretch and open the cervix.

A suction tube will be inserted into the uterus.

The suction will be applied to remove the embryo, fluid, and placenta.

Antibiotics will be given post-procedure to prevent infection.