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Pre-abortion Assessment and Post-abortion Treatment
Before the abortion, the period of gestation should be confirmed.
When a woman comes to the clinic for an abortion, she should be offered counseling. Once she has decided to go ahead with the abortion, she will undergo an examination and some laboratory tests like urine and blood tests. An ultrasound may be recommended to check if the fetus is viable and to confirm the period of gestation. After informed consent is obtained, the abortion should be carried out without much delay to avoid complications in the woman. If the woman is Rh-negative, she should be administered Rh immune globulin following the procedure to prevent complications in later pregnancies.
Antibiotics are administered before surgical abortion to reduce the chances of infection. Painkillers are also given to reduce pain after the procedure.
Post procedure, a contraceptive in the form of intrauterine device (IUD) should be offered to the patient to reduce the requirement for repeated abortion.
The patient is instructed to avoid strenuous activity or the use of tampons for a few days following the abortion. She should also avoid sexual intercourse for 2 to 3 weeks.
References:
- Rowlands S. Contraception and abortion. J R Soc Med 2007;100:465–468
- Templeton A, Grimes DA. A Request for Abortion. N Engl J Med 2011; 365:2198-2204
- Brown H. Abortion round the World. BMJ 2007; 335: 1018-1019
- Lalitkumar S, Bygdeman M and Gemzell-Danielsson K. Mid-trimester induced abortion: a review. Human Reproduction Update 2007;13(1): 37–52
- Induced Abortion - (http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq043.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20121007T1323563261)
- Abortion - (http://www.emedicinehealth.com/abortion/article_em.htm)
Is it normal to do this, Abortion?