First trimester abortion. Often, this is the toughest decision to make being a woman. But for the sake of your own health, you must take some steps in your life which may not always be emotionally justified.

In case you are facing a similar situation, do not worry. This too shall pass and you will once again be able to embrace motherhood.

Wondering what to do while undergoing an abortion in your first trimester?

Mykare Health is here to guide you in every step to get abortion done in your first trimester safely.

Let’s try to learn more about abortions – its types, procedures, risks associated with it and the recovery period after an abortion.

Types of Abortions

There are two types of abortions present in medical science. Let’s see them individually.

1. Surgical Abortions: This is the procedure of surgically removing the foetus by an expert in a hospital setting.

This is done under slight local or general anaesthesia.

The procedure is called D&C- Dilation and Curettage if done before 6 weeks (in the first trimester) or D&E- Dilation and Evacuation if done after 12 weeks (in the second trimester).

In this surgical abortion, a light suction tube is used to suck out the foetus from the uterus, followed by heavy bleeding in order to expel the pregnancy.

2. Medical Abortions: This is a rather simpler way to get your foetus aborted. There is a set of pills available in the market – Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

These drugs are advised by experts at particular intervals to forcefully expel the foetus followed by heavy bleeding. There are severe contractions in the uterus as a result of these drugs which push out the foetus.

This is a rather easy procedure of abortion which is only possible in the first trimester, rather before 6 weeks.

Procedure of Abortions

As there are two ways to remove the foetus from the uterus, both do the same thing but in a different procedure. Let’s see how.

For surgical abortions, firstly, the woman is put under anaesthesia. Then the cervix is dilated with an instrument with the help of medications to spread open the cervix hole.

Then a pipe including the suction is inserted into the uterus and the foetus is sucked out. After that the woman bleeds heavily for days similar to a heavy menstrual period. She is released on the same day following the surgery.

If the woman wants to abort the foetus in between 6 to 12 weeks, the suction pressure needs to be increased and the procedure becomes a bit complex. Also, the chances of complications increase.

For medical abortions, the woman is asked to consume two abortion pills at particular intervals. Mifepristone and Misoprostol.

The function of Mifepristone is lowering the level of progesterone in the blood while Misoprostol functions by initiating uterine contractions.

By the combined effect of both the pills abortion is completed within a few days in the form of heavy bleeding just like a heavy menstrual cycle.

Usually this is a safe procedure. Sometimes, if medical abortion is carried out at a later stage of pregnancy, there may be a chance that surgical procedures need to be done to confirm the results.

Risks of Abortions

Abortion is usually a safe medical procedure done under medical supervision. Sometimes, things don’t work out in our ways, complications and risks remain. According to experts, Surgical abortion is 99% safe while medical abortion is 96% safe procedure. They are:

• Heavy bleeding post abortion.

• Failed abortion.

• Puncture of uterus.

• Perforation of the internal organs.

• Infection during surgery.

• Incomplete abortion.

• Cervix lacerations

• Adverse reactions to anaesthesia.

• Blood clot.

• Fertility issues.

• Psychological problems.

If any of these symptoms appear, you must rush to your surgeon for medical attention. At Mykare, we provide free follow up services to the patients to the respective specialist doctors.

Abortion in general is very safe with about 1 death due to complications out of 100,000 cases whereas annually, the USA sees about 24 deaths out of 100,000 childbirths.

Recovery from Abortions

Usually, the recovery takes a week or two in both the cases of abortions.

• After a surgical abortion, you will start to feel better day by day. Bleeding will take a few days or so. You may experience cramps, which is very normal after an abortion. You must feel a lot better after 3-4 days of the procedure.

• After medical abortion, your bleeding may be a bit longer. Usually, you must visit your gynaecologist after 7-10 days of consuming the drugs. If there is improvement in your health daily, you are good to carry out your daily chores or any heavy-duty task.

If at any moment you feel something odd in your recovery period, you must consult with your gynaecologist.

Conclusion

Though abortion can be a tough call to attend, you are strong enough to decide on your own. You must prioritise your health at the foremost.

Mykare Health is always there to help you with any pregnancy and abortion related guidance from the top experts in the medical field.

Additionally, to get yourself informed about the right knowledge about the whereabouts of abortion – the types, procedure, risks and complications involved with it and the recovery phase. Stay safe and remain healthy.