Termination of pregnancy

Question 1

What act involves abortion

Answer 1

ending a pregnancy must be done under abortion act 1967

Question 2

What are the 5 categories accepted for performing a TOP

Answer 2

• preg would risk life of mum
• preg would risk injury to mum
• preg would risk mental health of mum / family*
• preg would risk existing kids
• substantial risk to fetus (no time limit)

* most often used, can be used to 24 weeks

Question 3

Abortion act in emergency?

Answer 3

if needed to save mum, can be done without approval if 2 doctors agree

Question 5

Medical termination?

Answer 5

Mifepristone

Misoprostal

Question 6

How does mifepristone work?

Answer 6

progesterone antagonist, blocks it so preg cant continue

given orally 1st medication

kills pregnancy

Question 7

How does misoprostal work?

Answer 7

progesterone analogue, causes contractions - expulsion of uterine contents

Given 24-48 hours after mifepristone

can be repeated 2 hourly until expulsion

removes pregnancy

Question 8

Where can TOP be performed depending on weeks?

Answer 8

0-9 wks : at home
9-24 : clinic
22 + : may require feticide - intracardiac KCI injection

Question 9

What techniques are used for surgical termination?

Answer 9

Suction termination

Dilation and curettage

Question 10

Side effects of surgical termination?

Answer 10

Retained products of conception

haemorrhage

infection

perforatio