Abortion After Miscarriage
Unfortunately, miscarriage is the most common pregnancy loss. Approximately 10-25% of diagnosed pregnancies end in miscarriage, and most of them occur in the first 8 weeks, up to the 12th week. Although it is a very sad situation, approximately 90% of the losses during this period are caused by disability in the baby.
The main purpose of treatment after miscarriage is to prevent bleeding and infection. While there is no need for any intervention in early miscarriages because the body throws out the entire fetus and placenta, there is a high probability of remaining pieces in the later period. The most common method of protection from bleeding and infection is curettage.
Abortion; D&C
D&C means dilation and curettage. Dilation is the widening of the cervix and curettage is the cleaning of the remaining parts of the uterus. Abortion can be done with sharp curettes or vacuum.
Is Abortion Necessary After Miscarriage?
About half of the miscarriages do not require abortion. These are called complete abortion, meaning there are no pieces left inside. It is necessary to perform an abortion in miscarriages with pieces remaining inside, that is, incomplete miscarriages. A complete miscarriage can be expected in incomplete miscarriages, but good follow-up is required for bleeding and infection. Since this process will usually be long, it is healthier to have an abortion.
How to Perform an Abortion
Abortion can be performed by hospitalizing the patient or sending them home afterwards. Sedation or general anesthesia is good for the patient's comfort. For the abortion procedure:
- Antibiotics are started to prevent infection
- If the service (cervix) is narrow, it is expanded until it becomes suitable
- Abortion is performed with vacuum aspiration or curette with plastic cannulas
- The procedure is terminated by controlling bleeding.
Abortion Risks
- Risks related to anesthesia; respiratory, aspiration and other risks
- Bleeding
- Infection in the uterus and other organs
- Uterine perforation
- Tear in the cervix
- Re-abortion due to inadequate abortion
It should not be forgotten that abortion in experienced hands has almost no risk.
After Abortion
After the abortion, you can usually go home within 1-2 hours. If complications develop, the patient is observed for a longer period of time. Taking antibiotics and painkillers is planned. Things to consider at home after abortion:
- Usually, normal activities can be returned within a few days, and even everything except very difficult tasks can be done in the first 24 hours.
- Pain in the first 24 hours. There may be enough pain to require medication.
- Slight bleeding and groin pain are normal. Sometimes it can take up to 2 weeks.
- There should be no sexual intercourse or vaginal douche for 2 weeks.
- Tampons should not be used until the next menstrual period
Situations When a Doctor Should Be Called Urgently:
The complication rate after abortion is not very high. However, there are situations when you should call your doctor:
- Fainting
- Prolonged bleeding (more than 2 weeks)
- Prolonged cramp-like pain(more than 2 weeks)
- Bleeding more than menstrual
- Severe and increasing groin pain
- Fever more than 38.3 C
- Foul smelling discharge
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