Unplanned Pregnancy Flashcards
How many unplanned pregnancies occur yearly?
80 million
How many abortions occur every year?
50 million
NOTE: with 20 million being performed under unsafe and illegal circumstances
In relation to contraception, why may abortion be needed?
- Failure.
- Non-use.
- Incorrect/Inconsistent use
Suggest non-contraceptive related reasons for abortion.
- Rape, domestic abuse, trafficking.
- Lack of knowledge, lack of motivation.
- Lack of planning, mistaken belief.
What are the 3 options in an unplanned pregnancy?
- Continue with the pregnancy and keep the baby.
- End the pregnancy by having an abortion.
- Continue with the pregnancy and have the baby adopted.
TOP is the most commonly performed gynae procedure in the UK
TRUE
Who are the highest rates of TOP seen in?
20-24year age group
There is a link between ______-__________ and TOP
Social-deprivation
Abortion is a very unsafe procedure
FALSE - it is a very safe procedure
Where do most TOP’s take place in i) Scotland ii) England?
i) NHS hospitals
ii) 60% take place in the independent sector under NHS contract
HSAI (Certificate A in Scotland): Who must sign this?
2 doctors
HSA2 (Certificate B in Scotland): When is this completed? By who?
Completed by the doctor within 24 hours of an emergency abortion
HSA4: Who must this be completed by? Sent to? When?
Must be completed by the doctor and sent to the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) within 7 days of the abortion taking place.
Out of the 7 categories of grounds of TOP, which one is most common?
C
Pregnancy has not exceeded its 24th week and continue of pregnancy would involve risk, greater than if the pregnancy was terminated, of injury of physical or mental health of the pregnant woman
There are 2 options for emergency termination, what are these?
F - it is necessary to save the life of the woman
G - it is necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the woman
If concerned about a young person and you think you need to take the issue to social services, you must inform them about this but don’t need their consent
TRUE
REVISE ‘Conscientious Objection’
Basically doctors being able to opt out of procedures because they don’t believe in it as long as the patient does not suffer as a consequence
From referral to treatment, this should last no longer than ___ weeks
2
What are the important practicalities to make note of when someone comes in for a TOP?
- Written consent for procedure and foetal remains.
- Bloods obtained (FBC/G+S +/- BBV).
- Optional screening for STI.
- Counselling re: ongoing contraception.
What is the legal limit for social termination of pregnancy?
23 weeks + 6 days
When can a foetal anomaly be performed?
Any gestation
What is the upper limit for TOP in NHS Tayside?
18 weeks + 6 days
When can surgical termination be carried out?
Up to 12 weeks
When can medical termination be carried out?
18 weeks + 6 days
So what if you’re >18+6 in Tayside?
Have to go to BPAS. Since there are no options for TOP at >20weeks in Scotland, the pt would have to go to London
Ideally, termination should take place within the first 3 weeks of presentation
TRUE
What are the groups of medial terminations (in terms of timings)?
Early – up to 9 weeks.
Late – 9-12 weeks.
Mid-trimester – 12-24 weeks.
Medical termination is a 2 stage process (3 if incl. initial consultation). Outline this.
- Oral MIFEPRISTONE 200mg (anti-progesterone, RU486).
2. Vaginal (or oral) PROSTAGLANDIN 24-48hours later e.g. Misoprostol, gemeprost.
If the termination is early (<9weeks), what is there the option to do?
Complete the 2nd part of the TOP at home (if live within 45min drive of hospital).