How to terminate an early pregnancy
Mar 05, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Xiaodong
Introduction
Early pregnancy test is a self-testing tool to determine whether one is pregnant. In most cases, it indicates very early pregnancy, and hospital examination can only reveal an intrauterine gestational sac area. Since it is not yet possible to confirm at this stage whether the embryo is developing inside or outside the uterine cavity, induced abortion cannot be performed temporarily. It is recommended to wait until a color ultrasound can confirm the pregnancy status, then seek treatment at a正规 hospital.
Early pregnancy test kits are self-testing tools used to determine whether one is pregnant. In most cases, these tests detect pregnancy at a very early stage, when hospital examinations may only reveal an intrauterine gestational sac. Since it is not yet possible to confirm whether the embryo is developing inside or outside the uterine cavity at this stage, induced abortion cannot be performed immediately. It is recommended to wait until a color ultrasound can clearly confirm the status of the pregnancy before seeking treatment at a正规 medical facility. Abortion should not be delayed; the appropriate method should be chosen based on gestational age and includes medical abortion and surgical abortion.
I. Medical Abortion:
1. Mifepristone Tablets: Mifepristone is an anti-pregnancy medication whose main ingredient is mifepristone. When used in combination with prostaglandin drugs, it can terminate intrauterine pregnancies within 49 days of gestation. It is a commonly used clinical drug for medical abortion and is classified as a prescription medication, which must be taken under a doctor's supervision.
2. Misoprostol Tablets: The main component of misoprostol tablets is misoprostol, primarily used to treat duodenal and gastric ulcers. However, when combined with mifepristone, it can effectively terminate early pregnancies. Patients must follow medical instructions regarding dosage and treatment duration.
3. Carboprost Methylate Suppositories: This medication is used for early medical abortion and must be used in conjunction with mifepristone. Prior to use, a color ultrasound must be performed to confirm an intrauterine pregnancy of less than 49 days' gestation.
II. Surgical Abortion:
1. Vacuum Aspiration: Suitable for women without contraindications who are within 10 weeks of pregnancy. Its advantages include the ability to select appropriate suction cannula sizes based on gestational age and minimal tissue trauma. Typically, rotating the suction device clockwise 1–2 times within the uterine cavity is sufficient for complete evacuation. However, multiple procedures may be required if the gestational sac is too large.
2. Dilation and Curettage (D&C): Applicable for women between 10 and 14 weeks of gestation without contraindications, or for those who cannot continue their pregnancy or have failed other abortion methods. However, this procedure carries greater risk and requires a longer postoperative recovery period.
3. Pain-Free Abortion: This method involves general anesthesia during the abortion procedure, resulting in high success rates and no pain experienced by the patient during surgery. However, there remains a risk of infection. If uterine perforation occurs during the procedure, the patient may show no reaction due to anesthesia, potentially leading to life-threatening complications.
Induced abortion poses significant risks to women's health. Unless there are special medical reasons requiring termination of pregnancy, abortion is generally not recommended. After an abortion, patients should remain vigilant for complications such as uterine perforation and intrauterine infection. Bed rest is advised for 14 days post-surgery, and strenuous physical activity should be avoided.
