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Abortion
Definition:
An abortion is a procedure, either surgical or medical, to end a pregnancy by removing the fetus and placenta from the uterus. Alternative Names:
Suction curettage Text Continues Below
Description:
A surgical abortion that is performed between 6 and 12 weeks into a pregnancy may be done while the woman is awake. She may be given the option of being sedated by medication through an IV, or having her cervix numbed with an injection of anesthesia. A surgical abortion for a pregnancy over 12 weeks is usually done while the woman is sedated, although it can also be performed while the woman is awake. The cervical canal is opened (dilated) and a hollow tube is inserted into the uterus. For abortions later than 12 weeks, the woman may need to come for an appointment the day before her procedure to begin the process of opening the cervix. In this procedure, small sticks called laminaria are placed in the cervix to begin dilation. A vacuum (suction) machine is used to remove the tissues (fetus and placenta) from the uterus. Medicines such as oxytocin are sometimes given to cause the uterine muscles to contract and reduce bleeding. An abortion can be performed non-surgically for a pregnancy less than 7 weeks from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period using a combination of medications. The current regimen approved by the FDA includes administration of one dose of Mifepristone (RU486), an antiprogestin, followed two days later by one dose of Misoprostol, a prostaglandin analogue. These medications may be given in the doctor's office, after a thorough history and physical is performed. Women who undergo medical abortions experience cramping and bleeding, and pass the pregnancy as though they were having a miscarriage.
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