Abortion is a very common medical situation needing management under qualified medical personnel.
It is safe when carried out using a method appropriate to the pregnancy duration and under the guidance of a gynaecologist at a good medical centre.
Unsafe abortion can lead to maternal morbidity. It can lead to not only physical but also mental health problems.
Abortion may be done by choice when its an unplanned and unwanted pregnancy or it may be needed due to some medical problem in the pregnancy leading to missed or incomplete abortion.
Abortion can be performed using medication or a surgical procedure. In the first seven weeks of pregnancy, a medical abortion can be done using medicines. But it’s important to do it under proper guidance of a qualified gynaecologist after doing an ultrasound for pregnancy.
Post seven weeks usually a surgical method is performed which requires admission and the procedure in safer when done in an operation theatre under anaesthesia taking care of all aseptic measures and sometimes under ultrasound guidance.
If the abortion is done due to some medical issue or due to missed or incomplete miscarriage, it may lead to some mental issues, as it may have to be done suddenly as an emergency case. And in such cases the woman has the feeling of loosing her baby. They may have some depression for some but usually not requiring medication.
If the abortion is done by choice then usually it does not affect the mental status of the woman as she is well prepared for it.
By Dr. Anita Gupta
Associate Director
Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Fortis La Femme
