ABORTION

Abortion is the process of ending a pregnancy. It does not result the birth of the baby.

Abortion is not the same as a miscarriage which is where a pregnancy ends without medical
intervention ( although medical treatment may be needed after miscarriage).

Also, abortion can be done into two different ways;

a) Medication abortion
b) Procedural abortion.

MEDICATION ABORTION

It is the way of abortion which uses medicines to ends the pregnancy. It sometimes called “medical
abortion” or “ abortion with pills” .

This method involves the tablet that blocks the hormone necessary for the pregnancy to continue.
Those tablets known as MIFEPRISTONE and it followed by MISOPROSTOL about 36 to 48 hours
later and cause the contents to flow of the uterus.

Effects of medical abortion.

 Shivering / chills
 Diarrhea
 Nausea
 Vomiting
 Abnormal pain
 Constipation
 Headache
 Menstrual irregularity
 Break through bleeding.

PROCEDURAL / SURGICAL ABORTION

This is the procedure to remove the pregnancy from the uterus. It also called “ suction curette”.
This involves the removing of the lining and the contents of the uterus with small plastic tubes

Effects of procedural abortion.

 Heavy bleeding ; during or after procedure.

 Infection ; such as severe pain and fever.
 Damage to the cervix, womb or other organ ( through the instruments used ).
 Retained products of conception. ( If material is accidental left behind in the womb ).

Apart from that, abortion has some symptoms as following;

Symptoms of abortion.
 Vaginal bleeding.
It is normal bleeding after a surgical or medical abortion. This amount of bleeding varies
from one person to another person.
 Pain and discomfort.
Many people experience mild abnormal pain similar to period pain.
 Cramping
 Dizziness
 Drowsiness
 Nausea / vomiting.

Possible complications of abortion.

When abortion performed by a doctor in certified healthcare facility, abortion is a very safe
procedure. For most people, abortion carries fewer medical risks that a full term
pregnancy .
The most common complication of abortion is infection. It has some symptoms such as;
 Fever.
 Chills.
 Feeling unwell and
 Unpleasant – smelling vaginal discharged.

Why do some people have abortion?

 It would disrupt their carrier or education.
 Financial consideration.
 Poor relationship. ( They aren’t in right relationship or able to provide a stable family life ).
 They don’t want to have a child . ( Unplanned pregnancy).

How much does an abortion cost?

The cost of an abortion will depend on;

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  If it is a medical or surgical abortion.
 How far you are into your pregnancy.
 Whether you are using a public service or private clinic.

Therefore, surgical abortion cost around the same as a medical abortion, but this cost
can vary depending on how many weeks pregnant you are, and if you are a public or
private patient.

Apart from the cost af the actual procedure consider that you may need to travel to get
an abortion. Also, abortion services are not easily to access in rural and remote areas.

COUNSELING BEFORE AND AFTER ABORTION.

 Counseling before an abortion.

You can take counseling about both procedure and about your thoughts and feelings
before an abortion. It is an important part of the decision making process when you are
thinking about having an abortion.

Importance of counseling before an abortion.

1. It aims to give you information and help you to think through your options.
2. It can help even if you have already made decision.
3. It will gives you the knowledge about the procedure itself so you can decide
things , such as what anaesthetic you would like.
4. It can guide you through what to expect afterwards.
5. It can helps your to talk about your thoughts and feelings, to help you decide what
to do about your pregnancy.

It important to remember that the person you speak to won’t judge you or try to
persuade you but, their role is to give you information and help you work through
how you feel.

 Counseling after an abortion.

After an abortion , most people will have a follow-up appointment so they can talk to a
doctor , nurse or other health professional.
In this appointment , you can also discuss your physical and emotional recovery , and
go over options for contraception .
Some people experience of having abortion will have been quite traumatic. They may
experience guilty, shame, grief, depression or anxiety afterwards.

EFFECTS / IMPACTS OF ABORTION.

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 1. Damage to the womb or cervix.
2. Excessive bleeding.
3. Infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes.
4. Scarring of the inside of the uterus.
5. Uterine perforation.
6. Incomplete abortion, requiring an additional surgical abortion procedure.
7. Death.

Future health risks.

1. Abortion causes a weakening of the cervix, which increases a woman’s risk of future
pre-term deliveries.
2. Pre-mature birth.