If you are pregnant and considering an abortion,  your gynaecologist can provide a detailed assessment of how far along you are in your pregnancy. It is important to prepare yourself. This guide by Dr Rachna, gynecologist in Delhi will help you understand the basic meaning, types of abortion, its risks and other related factors.

What is abortion?

Abortion is the process of terminating a pregnancy so that no child is born. It is sometimes referred to as ‘termination of pregnancy’.

Dr. Rachna treats women who have an unintended or undesired pregnancy. She treat women who have decided that abortion is the best option for them, and provide information and counselling to women who are unsure what to do next.

Types of abortion in Delhi

Abortion Surgery

An abortion surgery is a medical procedure that ends an unwanted pregnancy by removing the fetus and placenta from the uterus. It’s also known as an in-clinic abortion or suction aspiration abortion.

Surgery abortion is performed in a clinic or hospital during the first trimester of pregnancy, or up to 14 weeks after the first day of the last menstrual period. The procedure involves gradually widening the cervix with rods of increasing size, inserting a slim tube into the uterus, and using gentle suction to remove the pregnancy. A curette is then used to check that the uterus is empty.

Medical abortion

A medical abortion is a non-invasive procedure that uses prescription pills to end a pregnancy in the early stages. It’s an alternative to surgical abortion, which uses instruments to empty the uterus. 

A medical abortion usually involves taking two pills: mifepristone and misoprostol:

• Mifepristone: Blocks progesterone, the hormone that supports pregnancy.
• Misoprostol: Causes cramping and bleeding to empty the uterus.

After a medical abortion, you should rest as needed, avoid vigorous activity for a few days, and avoid sexual intercourse for 2–3 weeks. A normal menstrual period should occur in about 4–6 weeks. 

Risks associated with abortion

Abortions are generally very safe, but like any medical treatment, there is a small risk of complications. The risk of complications increases later in pregnancy when you have an abortion. 

• Minor complications: Pain, bleeding, infection, and post-anesthesia complications.
• Major complications: Uterine perforation, injuries to adjacent organs, cervical laceration, failed abortion, septic abortion, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
• Other complications: Incomplete abortion, retained blood clots in the uterus, heavy bleeding, cut or torn cervix, allergic reactions, and anaesthesia-related complications.

When should you seek an abortion?

The medical abortion in Delhi and abortion surgery can be performed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. However, there are some exceptions, such as if there is a risk to life or problems with the baby’s development. The type of abortion procedure you can have depends on how far along the pregnancy is:

First trimester

Medical or surgical abortions are common options. Medical abortion involves taking two types of medication, usually 1–2 days apart and is typically available up to 7–9 weeks after the last period. A surgical procedure involves passing a thin tube into the uterus and using suction to remove tissue. This procedure is more common between 6–14 weeks of pregnancy.

Second trimester

Dilation and evacuation (D&E) is a surgical option that doctors typically perform between 12–24 weeks.

After 24 weeks

In minimal circumstances, a gyane specialist may terminate a pregnancy for serious medical reasons, such as if the fetus has no chance of surviving after birth.

Before an abortion procedure in Delhi, you can expect to receive instructions from your doctor, fill out paperwork, and answer questions about your medical history. You may also need to fast starting around midnight the night before and have a pre-abortion workup that includes a physical examination, pregnancy test, blood test, and screening for sexually transmitted infections.

Abortion law in India

Abortion laws in India are governed by the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act of 1971, which was passed to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity from unsafe abortions and to liberalise access to abortion. However, the law doesn’t guarantee a fundamental right to abortion, and it limits liberalisation to conditions approved by medical professionals. 

The MTP Amendment Act of 2021 extended the gestational limit for abortion from 20 to 24 weeks. But it didn’t recognise abortion on demand as a right. The act also specifies the number of medical practitioners required for different stages of pregnancy:

• Up to 20 weeks: One registered medical practitioner is required.
• 20–24 weeks: Two registered medical practitioners are required, and the procedure is only permitted in certain circumstances.
• Over 24 weeks: A state-level medical board is required if there are suspected fetal abnormalities.

After having an abortion, your regular monthly cycle (periods) will resume. This implies you can get pregnant again. You may speak with your gynae about the best form of contraception for you and when to begin using it. If you want to book a counselling session with the best gynaecologist in Delhi, you may book an appointment with Dr Rachna and get solutions to your problems.