ABORTIONS

BY NYAKALLO

Learning outcomes:
Define abortion
Describe the two classifications of abortion
Mention the causes of abortion and risks
 Introduction
• Abortion is the termination of pregnancy before the foetus is viable,
usually performed during the first 28weeks of pregnancy. (28 weeks
applies in Lesotho)

• Is the expulsion of the conceptus before 28 weeks of gestation, or a

foetus weighing less than 500g.

• WHO states less than 20-22 weeks.

 Two main perspectives on abortion
• PRO-CHOICE
This perspective supports a woman’s right to make decisions
concerning her own body, including the decision to have an abortion.

• PRO-LIFE
This perspective advocates for protecting the rights of the unborn
foetus
 Kinds of abortion
• Induced abortion
A pregnancy that ends with a medical procedure

• Spontaneous abortion
A pregnancy that ends naturally before 28 weeks
 Causes of induced abortion
• Unintended pregnancy: occur when a pregnancy is unplanned and
happens due to contraceptive failure.
• Medical reasons: the pregnancy poses a risk to their health or if the
foetus has a severe abnormality or genetic condition that is
incompatible with life.
• Personal career goals: pregnancy can interfere with personal goals
and aspirations.
• Age and readiness: teenagers who become pregnant may feel
unprepared for parenthood and choose to have an abortion.
 Causes of spontaneous abortion
• Hormonal imbalances: certain hormonal imbalances, such as problem
with the production of progesterone, can lead to miscarriage.

• Uterine abnormalities: structural abnormalities in the uterus, such as

septum or fibroids, can prevent a pregnancy from progressing.

• Lifestyle factors: certain lifestyle factors such as smoking,

consumption of alcohol and drug use can increase the risk of
abortion.
 Types of abortion
• Threatened abortion : it is diagnosed when a pregnant woman
presents the slight vaginal bleeding through a dilated cervix during
the first 28 weeks of pregnancy.
• s/s
vaginal bleeding, pain which resemble dysmenorrhoea, mild abdominal
cramps, backache
• Management
Reassure the patient, monitor vital signs, bed rest,
 Risks of abortion
• Incomplete abortion: the abortion may be incomplete, where some
foetal tissue remains in the uterus. This can lead to infection, bleeding,
or the need for medical intervention.
• Uterine perforation: uterine wall can be perforated during the abortion
procedure.
• Future reproductive complications :increased pre-term birth or infertility
caused by damage to the uterus
• Legal and accessibility risks: in countries where abortion is heavily
restricted or illegal like in Lesotho, individuals may face legal
consequences and resort to unsafe, unregulated procedures that can
lead to severe health risks and even death.