Abortion, Unsafe Abortion, and Post-Abortion Care Flashcards
(14 cards)
What is the medical definition of abortion?
Discontinuation of pregnancy before the age of viability.
What are the two major methods of abortion?
Medical and surgical methods.
Name the clinical types of abortion.
Ongoing pregnancy, incomplete abortion, exacerbation of underlying mental health issues.
What are the mechanisms of medical abortion?
Use of Mifepristone (a progesterone receptor modulator) followed by misoprostol (a prostaglandin analogue).
What surgical methods are used for abortion?
(i)Vacuum aspiration (manual or electric) (ii)Dilatation and evacuation.
What investigations are required before an abortion?
Full blood count, STI screening, Rhesus status, ultrasound scanning.
What are the possible sequelae of abortion?
Ongoing pregnancy, incomplete abortion, and worsening of pre-existing mental health conditions.
What is unsafe abortion?
Termination of pregnancy by someone lacking necessary skills or in a substandard medical environment.
List some barriers to accessing safe abortion.
Restrictive laws, poor service availability, high cost, stigma, conscientious objection, unnecessary requirements.
What is Post-Abortion Care (PAC)?
Treatment for complications due to incomplete abortion or miscarriage, often involving bleeding or infection.
When was PAC developed and by whom?
Developed in 1993 by the PAC consortium.
List the essential elements of PAC.
Treatment of incomplete/unsafe abortions; (i)Family planning services (ii)Emotional and physical counselling (iii)Linkage to STI and reproductive health services (iv)Community and service provider partnership
What is the importance of post-abortal contraception?
Prevents future unplanned pregnancies and reduces repeat abortions.
What are examples of follow-up measures after abortion?
Home pregnancy testing, ultrasound scanning, counselling, and contraception.
