Can a painless abortion be performed at 3 months?

Oct 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Lu
Introduction
An abortion without pain is not recommended at three months of pregnancy. Pain-free abortion is generally suitable for women who are within 10 weeks of pregnancy. At three months, the fetus has grown larger and the placenta and amniotic fluid have already formed. At this stage, it is difficult to completely remove the embryo using pain-free methods such as vacuum aspiration. Moreover, the procedure carries increased surgical risks, including excessive bleeding, uterine perforation, and retained tissue in the uterine cavity.

In general, painless abortion is not recommended at three months of pregnancy. If any discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Painless abortion is typically suitable for pregnancies within 10 weeks. At three months of gestation, the fetus has grown larger and the placenta and amniotic fluid have already formed. At this stage, it is difficult to completely remove the embryo using methods such as vacuum aspiration, and the procedure carries increased surgical risks, including excessive bleeding, uterine perforation, and retained tissue in the uterine cavity. To terminate a pregnancy at three months, induction of labor is usually required. This process generally involves administering medication to induce uterine contractions, thereby expelling the fetus and associated tissues. Induction causes greater physical trauma to the woman compared to early painless abortion, requires hospitalization for monitoring and management, and necessitates a longer recovery period afterward.

After terminating a pregnancy, women should ensure adequate rest and avoid overexertion; maintain external genital hygiene to prevent infection; and follow a nutritionally balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and other essential nutrients.